The aim of this study was to compare auditory functions and to analyse the prevalence of hearing impairment and the relationship of self-reported hearing disability with audiometric test results among 75-year-old people in three Nordic localities. The representative samples came from Glostrup, Denmark (n = 571), Göteborg, Sweden (n =450), and Jyväskylä, Finland (n =388). The median pure-tone thresholds were rather similar in all three populations. The prevalence of moderate hearing impairment varied between 26% and 34% in men, and between 17% and 23% in women. The corresponding figures in the prevalence of self-reported hearing difficulties were 41%-57%, and 28%-37%. The self-reported difficulties were broadly in accordance with the audiometric test results, but there also were individuals with conflicting results. It is concluded that the prevalence of hearing impairment in the three Nordic localities is fairly similar. To assess hearing disorders in elderly people, both audiometry and self-report data are needed.

The present investigation was performed in order to evaluate the use and benefit of in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE-HAs) after a 4-year observation period, and to examine the validity of this type of hearing aid. A sample of 537 subjects still in possession of ITE-HAs, fitted in 1985, responded to a postal questionnaire in 1989, including questions identical to the first follow-up in 1985. The 537 persons correspond to 60% of the originally fitted sample of 894 subjects. The investigation indicated that no change in the use of or benefit from ITE-HAs has taken place during a 4-year period, and in addition the manipulative skills of the hearing aid users did not improve. However, the overall frequency of handling problems is low, though with a tendency to increase in the age group above 75 years. It is concluded that the use of and benefit obtained with ITE-HAs remains unchanged over a 4-year period; that the use and benefit is similar in the age groups below and above 75 years of age; that the ITE-HAs seem to be fairly stable during a 4-year period.

Preliminary clinical experiences with in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE-HAs) have been promising, and a beneficial effect has been demonstrated in younger hearing-impaired subjects. However, the subjects applying for audiological examination and rehabilitation are predominantly elderly people (i.e. greater than or equal to 70 years). The present questionnaire examination was performed in order to evaluate the use and benefit of ITE-HAs also in the elderly hearing-impaired, and compare with the effect in younger subjects. An extensive questionnaire was sent 6 months after hearing aid fitting to all patients fitted with ITE-HAs. A total number of 693 subjects corresponding to 80% responded to the questionnaire. 70% of the patients are greater than or equal to 70 years and 23% are above the age of 80 years. The results demonstrate that the elderly hearing-impaired use the hearing aids predominantly in situations when listening to television and in small groups; 64% use their hearing aids the whole day and only 6% never use the aids; with increasing age were indicated increasing handling problems, both concerning change of battery, handling of volume control, and insertion of the aid into the ear canal. Only 8% of the patients were dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the hearing aids, the dissatisfaction being more frequent in the young age group below 70 years (16%) than above the age of 70 years (9%). It is concluded that also the elderly hearing-impaired use and benefit from ITE-HAs.