Presbycusis

Presbycusis

Presbycusis is characterised by a gradual loss of hearing in both ears, with or without tinnitus. The hearing loss usually a ff ects the higher frequencies and a classical audiogram is shown in Figure 51.28 . The consonants of speech lie within the high-frequency range, which makes speech discrimination di ffi cult. Many patients with presbycusis are concerned that they may lose their hearing completely and need reassurance. Hear ing aid technology has improved dramatically over recent years and most patients can derive benefit ( Figure 51.29 ). Charles Howard Usher , 1865–1942, ophthalmologist, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary , Aberdeen, UK. Vaughan Pendred , 1869–1946, general practitioner, Durham, UK. Anton Jervell , 1901–1987, physician, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway . Fred Lange-Nielsen , 1919–1989, physician and jazz musician, Oslo, Norway . Petrus Johannes Waardenburg , 1886–1979, ophthalmologist, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Arthur Cecil Alport , 1880–1959, Professor of Medicine, King Fuad I Hospital, University of Cairo, Egypt. Gunnar B Stickler , 1925–2010, pediatrician, Mayo Clinic, USA.

Figure 51.27 Multichannel cochlear implant (Cochlear Corporation).

Presbycusis

Presbycusis is characterised by a gradual loss of hearing in both ears, with or without tinnitus. The hearing loss usually a ff ects the higher frequencies and a classical audiogram is shown in Figure 51.28 . The consonants of speech lie within the high-frequency range, which makes speech discrimination di ffi cult. Many patients with presbycusis are concerned that they may lose their hearing completely and need reassurance. Hear ing aid technology has improved dramatically over recent years and most patients can derive benefit ( Figure 51.29 ). Charles Howard Usher , 1865–1942, ophthalmologist, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary , Aberdeen, UK. Vaughan Pendred , 1869–1946, general practitioner, Durham, UK. Anton Jervell , 1901–1987, physician, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway . Fred Lange-Nielsen , 1919–1989, physician and jazz musician, Oslo, Norway . Petrus Johannes Waardenburg , 1886–1979, ophthalmologist, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Arthur Cecil Alport , 1880–1959, Professor of Medicine, King Fuad I Hospital, University of Cairo, Egypt. Gunnar B Stickler , 1925–2010, pediatrician, Mayo Clinic, USA.

Figure 51.27 Multichannel cochlear implant (Cochlear Corporation).