A NEW LOOK AT DEAFNESS AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS

Gradual hearing impairment has long been assumed to be a natural part of the aging process. Little is known of what lies beneath the surface. Currently an on-going investigation into the subject hopes to reveal some hidden elements. Some long-held ideas may ultimately be "debunked" or modified.

Study organizers based at the University of Wisconsin chose a town they believe to be "typical," a microcosm of the nation. Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, a manufacturing city (population 15,000), is located in dairy lands 60 miles northwest of Milwaukee. The team conducting research chose 3,753 of its citizens over the age of 48 (2/3 of that group). Beginning in 1993, these people agreed to regular testing measuring their hearing and health.

"The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study" is the largest project ever devoted to loss of hearing among the elderly. (Its medical name is "presbycusis") Some early findings follow:

(1) Men have poorer hearing than women.

(2) As people pass retirement age, their hearing tends to get worse. Once past the age of 80, 90 percent of the population has trouble.

(3) One-half of older Americans have some degree of hearing loss. (It has been thought previously that the figure was only 1/3.)

(4) Effect of some personal habits on hearing loss--

DRINKING Those who have 1-2 drinks daily are about 40 percent less likely than nondrinkers to have problems. However, heavy drinking has a very negative effect on hearing.

SMOKING Smokers are 70 percent more likely than nonsmokers to have some hearing loss.

EXERCISE seems to prevent or delay seniors’ hearing loss.

The study has so far produced some simple and unexpected things that may help the elderly ward off or slow down hearing impairment. Karen Cruickshanks, the study director said: "People need to know that hearing loss might not be an inevitable part of growing older."