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Panel Presentations

Comprehensive Otolaryngology

Clinical Practice Guidelines: Age-Related Hearing Loss

Saturday, September 28, 2024
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM EDT
Location: MBCC, 203-205
CME/MOC Credit: 1
Disclosure(s):
Betty S. Tsai Do, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Seth R. Schwartz, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Heather M. Weinreich, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Michael J. Brenner, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Clinical Practice Guideline for Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) addresses the prevalent yet underrecognized contribution of hearing impairment to impaired quality of life and overall health in individuals aged 50 and above. ARHL is linked to dementia, social isolation, depression, cardiovascular disease, and numerous other health concerns. Despite being the most common sensory disorder in aging adults, a gap exists in clinician guidance for identifying, educating, and managing ARHL. Many patients are undiagnosed and undertreated. This guideline provides evidence-informed recommendations for clinicians who care for patients aged 50 and older. Key Action Statements emphasize early screening, comprehensive ear examination, consideration of sociodemographic factors, role for audiogram and related testing, and personalized management strategies. Strong recommendations include obtaining an audiogram if hearing loss is indicated, offering appropriately fit amplification, and referring for cochlear implantation evaluation under specific conditions. Other recommendations involve routine screening for hearing loss, examining the ear for possible underlying issues, and identifying sociodemographic factors affecting access to hearing healthcare. Further, it recommends educating patients and care partners about the effects of hearing loss and counseling on communication strategies and assistive listening devices. The guideline also suggests periodic retesting for those with known hearing loss. This guideline is not a comprehensive guide for ARHL management but rather focuses on quality improvement opportunities, allowing clinicians to tailor care based on individual patient assessments and experiences.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe associations between age-related hearing loss and health impairments and quality of life, recognizing role of sociodemographic factors and patient preferences in the management of ARHL.
  2. Equip clinicians with evidence-informed practices for early screening and diagnosis of ARHL in patients aged 50 and above and offer personalized management plans, including the use of appropriately fit amplification devices, communication strategies and cochlear implantation.
  3. Guide clinicians in offering personalized management plans, including the use of appropriately fit amplification devices, communication strategies, and cochlear implantation.

    Moderator(s)

  • BT

    Betty S. Tsai Do, MD

    Senior Physician
    The Permanente Medical Group
    Danville, California, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Seth R. Schwartz, MD, MPH

    Director, The Listen For Life Center at Virginia Mason
    Department of Otolaryngology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
    Seattle, WA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Heather M. Weinreich, MD

    Associate Professor
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Michael J. Brenner, MD

    Associate Professor
    University of Michigan Medical School
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.