Improved hearing in Swedish 70-year olds—a cohort comparison over more than four decades (1971–2014)

Abstract

Objectivethe world population is ageing rapidly. In light of these demographic changes, it is of interest to generate current data regarding the prevalence and characteristics of age-related hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate hearing acuity and the prevalence of hearing loss in a contemporary age-homogenous cohort of old adults, and to assess secular trends in hearing function during the last half-century (1971–2014).Methodswe performed a prospective population-based cohort comparison study of unscreened populations. As part of a geriatric population-based study (H70), a new cohort of 70-year olds (n = 1,135) born in 1944 was tested with computerised automated pure-tone audiometry. The hearing thresholds were compared to three earlier born cohorts of 70-year olds, born in 1901–02 (n = 376), 1906–07 (n = 297) and 1922 (n = 226), respectively.Resultssignificant improvements in median pure-tone thresholds were seen at several frequencies in both men (range: 5–20 dB, P < 0.01) and women (range: 5–10 dB, P < 0.01). When investigating the effect of birth cohort on hearing in a linear regression, significant trends were found. Men’s hearing improved more than women’s. The prevalence of hearing loss declined in the study period (1971–2014) from 53 to 28% for men and 37 to 23% for women (P < 0.01).Conclusionsthese results indicate that the hearing acuity in Swedish 70-year olds has improved significantly over more than four decades. The largest improvements were seen at 4–6 kHz in men, possibly reflecting a decrease in occupational noise exposure. Further studies are required to pinpoint the reasons for improved hearing-health among older people.

Prevalence of hearing loss and need for aural rehabilitation in 85-year-olds: a birth cohort comparison, almost three decades apart

“…If less noise exposure in Cohort 1930 was the only reason for improved hearing among 85-year-old men, a statistically significant better hearing acuity at age 75 would be expected. Another study within H70 (Hoff et al 2018) described similar hearing acuity for pure-tone hearing thresholds among 70-yearold men and women born in 1901-1902 and 1922. This indicates further reasons for the improvement in men's hearing than a lower level of exposure to noise.…”

Gender-specific hearing loss in German adults aged 18 to 84 years compared to US-American and current European studies

“…Results derived in the pooled sample were compared to findings reported for the Dutch Rotterdam study [10], the most recent results for the Swedish Gothenburg study [6], the US-American NHANES cycles 1999-2004 [25,4], the cycles 1999 to 2006 [26], and the cycles 2011 to 2012 [5]. Although principally eligible for comparison, the HTL estimates for an earlier Gothenburg cohort were not included in this comparison because the authors stated HTL deviations to earlier cohorts that possibly originated from "differences regarding ambient noise levels in the test rooms used, in combination with difficulties for less experienced testers to detect the problems that arise close to 0 dB HL in a non-insulated test room" [7].…”

“…This trend towards lower HTL and HI in US-American surveys was also observed in current European data. Based on the data sampled in the Gerontological and Geriatric Population Study in Gothenburg, a longitudinal study on the health of 70 year-old people, Hoff et al compared HTL in Swedish 70-year-olds over four decades and found substantial improvements over time [6]. Rosenhall, Möller & Hederstierna, however, referring to data from the same study in Gothenburg, stated that the hearing of 75-year olds had not changed over three decades [7].…”

From Detection to Intervention Psychological Aspects of Online Hearing Rehabilitation

“…When examining a new cohort of 70-year old participants in three previous cohorts, measured when at the same age, born in 1901-02, 1906-07 and 1922, both men and women in the new cohort showed improved hearing. The prevalence for women went from 37 % to 23 %, and for men from 53 % to 28 % (Hoff, Tengstrand, Sadeghi, Skoog, & Rosenhall, 2018). The decreased prevalence for men is probably because of a decrease in occupational noise exposure.…”

“…Although rates of decline might not be that different, absolute differences seem to exist in Sweden, with 23 % of Swedish 70-year old women suffering from hearing loss while 28 % of men are affected (Hoff, Tengstrand, Sadeghi, Skoog, & Rosenhall, 2018). The impact of hearing loss on one's quality of life and ability to participate in society to a desired level might also affect men and women differently.…”