University of Massachusetts Medical School Faculty Publications

Title

Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences; UMass Worcester Prevention Research Center

Publication Date

2021-03-23

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Geriatrics | Health Services Administration | Health Services Research | Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Abstract

Importance: Age-related sensorineural hearing loss is a common health problem among adults. Nearly 16% of US adults 18 years or older report difficulty hearing. The prevalence of perceived hearing loss increases with age. Hearing loss can adversely affect an individual's quality of life and ability to function independently and has been associated with increased risk of falls, hospitalizations, social isolation, and cognitive decline.

Objective: To update its 2012 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review on screening for hearing loss in adults 50 years or older.

Population: Asymptomatic adults 50 years or older with age-related hearing loss.

Evidence Assessment: Because of a lack of evidence, the USPSTF concludes that the benefits and harms of screening for hearing loss in asymptomatic older adults are uncertain and that the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined. More research is needed.

Recommendation: The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for hearing loss in older adults. (I statement).

DOI of Published Version

10.1001/jama.2021.2566

Source

US Preventive Services Task Force, Krist AH, Davidson KW, Mangione CM, Cabana M, Caughey AB, Davis EM, Donahue KE, Doubeni CA, Epling JW Jr, Kubik M, Li L, Ogedegbe G, Pbert L, Silverstein M, Stevermer J, Tseng CW, Wong JB. Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021 Mar 23;325(12):1196-1201. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.2566. PMID: 33755083. Link to article on publisher's site

Comments

Full author list omitted for brevity. For the full list of authors, see article.

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

Journal/Book/Conference Title

JAMA

PubMed ID

33755083

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS