Rosenhall Ulf, Karlsson Espmark Ann-Kristin
Institution of Clinical Neurosciences/Section of Technical and Clinical Audiology, Karolinska Institute, Department of Audiology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Int J Audiol. 2003 Jul;42 Suppl 2:2S53-7.
The demands/needs for audiological/otological services under optimal conditions were investigated within the framework of three epidemiological investigations. The study population consisted of 559 people, 318 women and 241 men, 70-91 years old. The participants were offered audiological and otological services, including hearing aid fitting. Fifteen per cent of the participants asked for audiological/otological services. Six per cent of the participants were equipped with hearing aids as a result of the study. Almost all of those with severe hearing loss either had been equipped with hearing aids prior to the study, or took advantage of the offer to get such devices. This figure represented about half of those with moderate hearing loss and about 20% of those with mild hearing loss. After the study, 19% were equipped with hearing aids, but in all 25% had hearing aids or had expressed a wish to get one. The percentages of elderly people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, who contemplated purchasing an aid, but did not do so, were large, between 10%, and 22%. More than 11% consulted a doctor when the opportunity was offered to them. Most of them wanted the consultation because of progressive hearing loss. Middle ear disease was another important reason for a consultation.
在三项流行病学调查的框架内，对最佳条件下听力/耳科服务的需求进行了调查。研究人群包括559人，其中318名女性和241名男性，年龄在70至91岁之间。为参与者提供了听力和耳科服务，包括助听器验配。15%的参与者寻求听力/耳科服务。由于这项研究，6%的参与者配备了助听器。几乎所有重度听力损失者要么在研究之前就已配备助听器，要么利用此次机会获得了此类设备。这个数字约占中度听力损失者的一半，轻度听力损失者的20%。研究结束后，19%的人配备了助听器，但总计25%的人拥有助听器或表示希望获得助听器。考虑购买助听器但未购买的轻度至中度听力损失老年人的比例很大，在10%至22%之间。超过11%的人在有机会时咨询了医生。他们中的大多数人因听力渐进性下降而希望咨询。中耳疾病是咨询的另一个重要原因。
