Eye on the elderly. Screening for hearing loss, risk of falls: a hassle-free approach

J Fam Pract. 2009 Sep;58(9):471-7.

Abstract

Simply asking elderly patients whether they have trouble hearing is an effective start to screening for hearing loss. Refer elderly patients with suspected hearing impairment for audiologic diagnosis and nonmedical rehabilitation treatment, including hearing aids. To assess a patient's risk of falling, review gait, balance disorders, weakness, environmental hazards, and medications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
  • Aged
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Hearing Loss* / complications
  • Hearing Loss* / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology