Factors Affecting Presbicusis Patients Based On Audiogram Overview At H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan 2019

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Introduction

Understanding Presbycusis: A Growing Concern in the Elderly Population Presbycusis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing a gradual decline in hearing ability as we age. This multifactorial process can vary in severity, from mild to substantial, making it essential to identify the factors that contribute to its incidence. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing presbycusis in patients undergoing audiogram examinations at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2019. Various factors, including hereditary factors, metabolism, atherosclerosis, noisy sound exposure, and lifestyle, have been linked to presbycusis, but the relationship between these factors and the condition remains unclear.

Methodology

Research Design and Data Collection This study employed an analytic design with a cross-sectional cutting approach, involving patients in the geriatric polyclinic during the November period to December 2019. The dependent variable was the picture of the audiogram presbicicusis. The data collected were analyzed descriptively, with the results presented in the average form and standard deviation. Furthermore, the Chi Square test was carried out to examine differences between groups, and multivariate analysis was used to determine the dominant effect on the dependent variable.

Research Result

Prevalence and Demographic Characteristics of Presbycusis Patients The study found a prevalence of presbycusis of 54.2% with a total of 39 patients. The average age of presbicicusis patients involved in this study was above 55 years, with a mean age of 58.71 ± 4.58 years. The type of presbycusis found consisted of 25% of the type of strial, 9.7% neural types, 9.7% sensory type, and 9.7% cochlear type. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between blood sugar levels (p <0.001), uric acid levels (p = 0.005), total cholesterol (p <0.001), hypertension (p = 0.003), and smoking habits (p = 0.016) with the incidence of presbycusis. Multivariate analysis identified total cholesterol as a variable with the most dominant effect (p <0.05).

Discussion

The Role of Cholesterol in Presbycusis This finding highlights the significant relationship between high cholesterol levels and the increased risk of presbycusis. Patients with high cholesterol levels were 10 times more likely to experience this condition compared to those with normal cholesterol levels. This indicates the need for more attention to the management of cholesterol levels, especially among elderly patients who are at high risk of experiencing hearing loss. Other aspects, such as blood sugar levels, gout, hypertension, and smoking habits, also contribute to the incidence of presbycusis. Therefore, a holistic approach in healthcare, including controlling these risk factors, is essential to prevent or reduce the severity of presbycusis.

The Importance of Healthy Lifestyle and Routine Health Checks Awareness of a healthy lifestyle and routine health checks can play a crucial role in maintaining hearing health, especially in the elderly population. By controlling risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can reduce their risk of developing presbycusis and maintain their hearing ability.

Conclusion

Conclusion and Recommendations From this study, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between blood sugar levels, uric acid, total cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking habits with the incidence of presbycusis. Cholesterol levels were found to be the most dominant factor affecting the incidence of presbycusis, emphasizing the importance of cholesterol management in efforts to prevent hearing loss in old age. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms and interactions of various risk factors in the development of presbycusis.

Limitations of the Study

  • The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • The sample size was relatively small, which may affect the reliability of the results.
  • The study did not control for other potential confounding variables that may affect the incidence of presbycusis.

Future Research Directions

  • Investigate the mechanisms and interactions of various risk factors in the development of presbycusis.
  • Explore the effectiveness of cholesterol management in preventing hearing loss in old age.
  • Conduct a larger-scale study to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Implications for Healthcare Providers

  • Healthcare providers should be aware of the significant relationship between cholesterol levels and the incidence of presbycusis.
  • Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of cholesterol management in preventing hearing loss in old age.
  • Healthcare providers should adopt a holistic approach in healthcare, including controlling risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle habits.

Implications for Patients

  • Patients should be aware of the risk factors associated with presbycusis and take steps to manage them.
  • Patients should adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
  • Patients should undergo regular health checks to monitor their cholesterol levels and other risk factors.

Q: What is presbycusis?

A: Presbycusis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing a gradual decline in hearing ability as we age. It is a multifactorial process that can vary in severity, from mild to substantial.

Q: What are the risk factors for presbycusis?

A: The risk factors for presbycusis include hereditary factors, metabolism, atherosclerosis, noisy sound exposure, and lifestyle. High cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, uric acid levels, hypertension, and smoking habits have also been linked to the incidence of presbycusis.

Q: What is the relationship between cholesterol levels and presbycusis?

A: The study found a significant relationship between high cholesterol levels and the increased risk of presbycusis. Patients with high cholesterol levels were 10 times more likely to experience this condition compared to those with normal cholesterol levels.

Q: How can I prevent or reduce the severity of presbycusis?

A: To prevent or reduce the severity of presbycusis, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management. Controlling risk factors such as high cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, uric acid levels, hypertension, and smoking habits is also crucial.

Q: What are the symptoms of presbycusis?

A: The symptoms of presbycusis include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, and difficulty hearing conversations in a group setting.

Q: How is presbycusis diagnosed?

A: Presbycusis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and audiometric testing. An audiogram is a type of hearing test that measures the ability to hear different frequencies and volumes.

Q: What are the treatment options for presbycusis?

A: The treatment options for presbycusis include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove damaged structures in the ear.

Q: Can presbycusis be reversed?

A: Unfortunately, presbycusis is a permanent condition and cannot be reversed. However, with proper treatment and management, it is possible to improve hearing ability and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Q: How can I maintain my hearing health?

A: To maintain your hearing health, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management. Regular hearing tests and check-ups with an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can also help identify any potential hearing problems early on.

Q: What are the implications of presbycusis for daily life?

A: Presbycusis can have significant implications for daily life, including difficulty communicating with family and friends, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, and difficulty hearing important sounds such as doorbells or phone rings.

Q: How can I support a loved one with presbycusis?

A: To support a loved one with presbycusis, it is essential to be patient and understanding. Encourage them to seek medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms of presbycusis, and offer to help them with daily tasks and activities that may be challenging due to their hearing loss.

Additional Resources

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): www.asha.org
  • National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): www.nidcd.nih.gov
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS): www.entnet.org

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of presbycusis, it is essential to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.