Definition: age-related, sensorineural hearing loss
Pathophysiology: progressive and irreversible damage of the hair cells of the organ of Corti (especially near the basal turn of the cochlea) that impairs high-frequency hearing
Epidemiology
Most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss
Age 75: > 50%
Age 90: nearly 100%
Clinical features
Progressive bilateral hearing loss, particularly of higher frequencies (using a low-pitched and clear voice to speak with older patients can improve communication)
Difficulty hearing in noisy, crowded environments.