Self-Reported Hearing Problems among Older Adults: Prevalence and Comparison to Measured Hearing Impairment

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (08) ◽  
pp. 550-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuli Hannula ◽  
Risto Bloigu ◽  
Kari Majamaa ◽  
Martti Sorri ◽  
Elina Mäki-Torkko
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Single Frequency ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Hearing Difficulties ◽  
Hearing Problems

Background: There are not many population-based epidemiological studies on the association between self-reported hearing problems and measured hearing thresholds in older adults. Previous studies have shown that the relationship between self-reported hearing difficulties and measured hearing thresholds is unclear and, according to our knowledge, there are no previous population-based studies reporting hearing thresholds among subjects with hyperacusis. Purpose: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported hearing problems, that is, hearing difficulties, difficulties in following a conversation in noise, tinnitus, and hyperacusis, and to compare the results with measured hearing thresholds in older adults. Research Design: Cross-sectional, population-based, and unscreened. Study Sample: Random sample of subjects (n = 850) aged 54-66 yr living in the city of Oulu (Finland) and the surrounding areas. Data Collection and Analysis: Otological examination, pure tone audiometry, questionnaire survey Results: The prevalence of self-reported hearing problems was 37.1% for hearing difficulties, 43.3% for difficulties in following a conversation in noise, 29.2% for tinnitus, and 17.2% for hyperacusis. More than half of the subjects had no hearing impairment, or HI (BEHL[better ear hearing level]0.5–4 kHz < 20 dB HL) even though they reported hearing problems. Subjects with self-reported hearing problems, including tinnitus and hyperacusis, had significantly poorer hearing thresholds than those who did not report hearing problems. Self-reported hearing difficulties predicted hearing impairment in the pure-tone average at 4, 6, and 8 kHz, and at the single frequency of 4 kHz. Conclusions: The results indicate that self-reported hearing difficulties are more frequent than hearing impairment defined by audiometric measurement. Furthermore, self-reported hearing difficulties seem to predict hearing impairment at high frequencies (4–8 kHz) rather than at the frequencies of 0.5–4 kHz, which are commonly used to define the degree of hearing impairment in medical and legal issues.

scholarly journals Hearing Thresholds of Nigerian Navy Personnel Serving in Lagos Area

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abubakar O Aliyu ◽  
Waheed A Adedeji ◽  
Adekunle Daniel ◽  
Tajudeen Yusuf ◽  
Paul A Onakoya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Past History ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pure Tone Average ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
The Right ◽  
Navy Personnel

Abstract Introduction: Navy personnel are exposed to several risk factors that increase hearing thresholds and impair hearing. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hearing impairment among Nigerian Navy personnel. Materials and Method: This was a cross sectional study of Nigerian Navy personnel working in various ships. Structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on hearing. All the subjects had ear examination and pure tone audiometry of both ears. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was 22(14.7%) in the right and 17(11.3%) in the left ears. The Pure Tone Average for the right and left ear were 19.0±8.6dB and 17.4±6.7dB respectively. There was a statistically significant association between noisy work place and total hearing loss (p<.01), pure tone average in the left ear (p<.05) and frequencies of 3000 Hz (p<.05), 2000 Hz (p<.001) and 1000Hz (p<.05) in the left ear. The association between past history of ear infections and pure tone average in the left ear (p<.05) and the frequency 2000 Hz (p<.005) in the left ear were significant. The length of service years, occupational group, age, sex report of change in hearing, non-use of hearing protection and presence of tinnitus did not show significant association with pure tone averages nor on the frequencies tested. Conclusion: The significant unilateral hearing impairment on the right ear suggests the need for more research on hearing impairment in the Nigerian Navy as well as development of a comprehensive hearing conservation programme.

scholarly journals Η συμβολή των ωτοακουστικών εκπομπών στη μελέτη της κοχλιακής λειτουργίας σε ασθενείς με υποθυρεοειδισμό

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Βασίλειος Ψαλτάκος
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Otoacoustic Emission ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Anatomic Site ◽  
Cochlear Function ◽  
Hearing Thresholds

Although several reports exist concerning the occurrence of hearing loss in patients withdisorders of thyroid function, there are still several unsettled issues, such as theincidence and the severity of hearing impairment, the anatomic site of the auditorypathway involved, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms. Both congenitalhypothyroidism and environmentally based iodine deficiency are established causes ofhearing loss in humans and rodents. Congenital thyroid deficiency in humans can resultin a profound, hearing deficit, which may be prevented by early hormonal replacementtreatment in infants with hypothyroidism. However, the effect of acute or chronichypothyroidism in adults has not been adequately studied, and most information hasbeen obtained from animal experiments, whereas research in humans has been basicallybased on behavioral audiometry. The use of otoacoustic emissions may provide moreinsight into the hearing function of these patients than pure-tone audiometry, since it isconsidered as a sensitive test of the cochlear status. The aim of this study was toevaluate the hearing in a group of patients with acute hypothyroidism, using bothconventional audiometry and transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). Material and methods:A group of 52 patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy wasstudied prospectively, All patients were examined before surgery and 6-8 weekspostoperatively. During this period there was no replacement with levothyroxine and themagnitude of thyroxin depletion was monitored by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. On preoperative encounter with each patient, a detailed questionnaire of historyof hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, previous ear infections, noise exposure, medications,and recent upper respiratory tract infection was completed. Patients were excluded ifthey were older than 50 years, in order to avoid the phenomenon of presbycusis, or ifthey had a history of cochleovestibular, vascular or neurologic disease, or any other riskfactor for hearing impairment. Pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry and transientlyevoked otoacoustic emissions were performed. A group of healthy volunteers of similarage and sex were used for comparison.Results:(1) Tympanograms were normal, either on initial testing (75%) or on repeat testing(25%).(2) Audiometry showed elevation of all postoperative hearing thresholds, whereas thethresholds varied significantly across frequency.(3) TEOAE testing showed response signal to noise ratios lower in the postoperativesession (hypothyroid state) than in the preoperative session on all measured frequencies.(4) Emission levels varied significantly across frequency, with maximum responseobserved at 2 kHz.(5) Comparison of significant pure-tone and otoacoustic emission shifts for individualears showed more ears affected in otoacoustic emission testing, indicating subclinicalcochlear involvement.(6) Comparison of hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emission levels between patientsand controls showed significant differences on postoperative testing. Conclusions:Acute hypothyroidism in adults causes elevation of hearing thresholds and reducedotoacoustic emissions. The effect on otoacoustic emissions is greater, indicatingsubclinical damage of the cochlear function.

scholarly journals Hearing problems in patients with hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuuli Mustonen ◽  
Ville Sivonen ◽  
Sari Atula ◽  
Sari Kiuru-Enari ◽  
Saku T. Sinkkonen
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Cranial Neuropathy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Patients Experience ◽  
Hearing Problems

Abstract Background Gelsolin amyloidosis (AGel amyloidosis) is a hereditary form of systemic amyloidosis featuring ophthalmological, neurological and cutaneous symptoms. Previous studies based mainly on patients’ self-reporting have indicated that hearing impairment might also be related to the disease, considering the progressive cranial neuropathy characteristic for AGel amyloidosis. In order to deepen the knowledge of possible AGel amyloidosis-related hearing problems, a clinical study consisting of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire, clinical examination, automated pure-tone audiometry and a speech-in-noise test was designed. Results Of the total 46 patients included in the study, eighteen (39%) had self-reported hearing loss. The mean scores in the SSQ were 8.2, 8.3 and 8.6 for the Speech, Spatial and Qualities subscales, respectively. In audiometry, the mean pure tone average (PTA) was 17.1 (SD 12.2) and 17.1 (SD 12.3) dB HL for the right and left ears, respectively, with no difference to gender- and age-matched, otologically normal reference values. The average speech reception threshold in noise (SRT) was − 8.2 (SD 1.5) and − 8.0 (SD 1.7) dB SNR for the right and left ears, respectively, which did not differ from a control group with a comparable range in PTA thresholds. Conclusion Although a significant proportion of AGel amyloidosis patients experience subjective difficulties in hearing there seems to be no peripheral or central hearing impairment at least in patients up to the age of 60 years.

scholarly journals Prevalence of childhood hearing impairment of different severities in urban and rural areas: a nationwide population-based study in Taiwan

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e020955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Yu Lin ◽  
Yen-Cheng Tseng ◽  
How-Ran Guo ◽  
Der-Chung Lai
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
National Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

ObjectiveChildhood hearing impairment (CHI) is a major developmental disability, but data at the national level are limited, especially those on different severities. We conducted a study to fill this data gap.DesignA nationwide study on the basis of a reporting system.SettingTo provide services to disabled citizens, the Taiwanese government maintains a registry of certified cases. Using data from this registry, we estimated prevalence rates of CHI of different severities from 2004 to 2010 and made comparisons between urban and rural areas.ParticipantsTaiwanese citizens ≤17 years old.Primary outcome measuresTo qualify for CHI disability benefits, a child must have an unaided pure-tone better ear hearing level at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz with an average ≥55 decibels (dB), confirmed by an otolaryngologist. The severity was classified by pure-tone better ear hearing level as mild (55–69 dB), moderate (70–89 dB) and severe (≥90 dB).ResultsThe registered cases under 17 years old decreased annually from 4075 in 2004 to 3533 in 2010, but changes in the prevalence rate were small, ranging from 7.62/10 000 in 2004 to 7.91/10 000 in 2006. The prevalence rates of mild CHI increased in all areas over time, but not those of moderate or severe CHI. Rural areas had higher overall prevalence rates than urban areas in all years, with rate ratios (RRs) between 1.01 and 1.09. By severity, rural areas had higher prevalence rates of mild (RRs between 1.08 and 1.25) and moderate (RRs between 1.06 and 1.21) CHI but had lower prevalence rates of severe CHI (RRs between 0.92 and 0.99).ConclusionWhile rural areas had higher overall prevalence rates of CHI than urban areas, the RRs decreased with CHI severity. Further studies that identify factors affecting the rural–urban difference might help the prevention of CHI.

scholarly journals Screening for Hearing Impairment in Older Adults by Smartphone-Based Audiometry, Self-Perception, HHIE Screening Questionnaire, and Free-Field Voice Test: Comparative Evaluation of the Screening Accuracy With Standard Pure-Tone Audiometry

10.2196/17213 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e17213
Author(s):  
Lok Yee Joyce Li ◽  
Shin-Yi Wang ◽  
Cheng-Jung Wu ◽  
Cheng-Yu Tsai ◽  
Te-Fang Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Perception

Background Hearing impairment is the most frequent sensory deficit in humans, affecting more than 360 million people worldwide. In fact, hearing impairment is not merely a health problem, but it also has a great impact on the educational performance, economic income, and quality of life. Hearing impairment is therefore an important social concern. Objective We aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of self-perception, Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire, free-field voice test, and smartphone-based audiometry as tests for screening moderate hearing impairment in older adults in China. Methods In this study, 41 patients were recruited through a single otology practice. All patients were older than 65 years. Patients with otorrhea and cognitive impairment were excluded. Moderate hearing impairment was defined as mean hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz >40 dB hearing loss (pure-tone average > 40 dB hearing loss). All patients completed 5 hearing tests, namely, the self-perception test, HHIE-S questionnaire test, free-field voice test, smartphone-based audiometry test, and standard pure-tone audiometry by the same audiologist. We compared the results of these tests to the standard audiogram in the better-hearing ear. Results The sensitivity and the specificity of the self-perception test were 0.58 (95% CI 0.29-0.84) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.19-0.54), respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the HHIE-S questionnaire test were 0.67 (95% CI 0.35-0.89) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.316-0.51), respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the free-field voice test were 0.83 (95% CI 0.51-0.97) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.24-0.61), respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the smartphone-based audiometry test were 0.92 (95% CI 0.60-0.99) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.56-0.89), respectively. Smartphone-based audiometry correctly diagnosed the presence of hearing loss with high sensitivity and high specificity. Conclusions Smartphone-based audiometry may be a dependable screening test to rule out moderate hearing impairment in the older population.

scholarly journals Hearing loss in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Svein O. Fredwall ◽  
Björn Åberg ◽  
Hanne Berdal ◽  
Ravi Savarirayan ◽  
Jorunn Solheim
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Disease Classification ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Achondroplasia is the most common form of disproportionate skeletal dysplasia. The condition is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene, affecting endochondral bone growth, including the craniofacial anatomy. Recurrent otitis media infections, chronic middle ear effusion, and hearing loss are common in children with achondroplasia, but few studies have investigated hearing loss in adults with this condition. Objectives This population-based study investigated the prevalence, severity, and type of hearing loss in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia. Methods We collected data on 45 adults with genetically confirmed achondroplasia: 23 men and 22 women, aged 16–70 years. All participants underwent a comprehensive audiologic assessment, including medical history, pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and impedance audiometry. According to the Global Burden of Disease classification, pure-tone average ≥ 20 decibel hearing level (dB HL) was considered clinically significant hearing loss. Results Insertion of ventilation tubes had been performed in 44% (20/45) of the participants, 49% (22/45) had a history of adenoidectomy, while 20% (9/45) used hearing aids. Hearing loss in at least one ear was found in 53% (24/45) of the participants; in 57% (13/23) of the men and 50% (11/22) of the women. In the youngest age group (age 16–44 years), 50% (14/28) had hearing loss, although predominantly mild (20–34 dB HL). An abnormal tympanometry (Type B or C) was found in 71% (32/45) of the participants. The majority (15/24) had conductive hearing loss, or a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (8/24). Conclusions Adults with achondroplasia are at increased risk of early hearing loss. Our findings underline the importance of a regular hearing assessment being part of standard care in achondroplasia, including adolescents and young adults. In adult patients diagnosed with hearing loss, an evaluation by an otolaryngologist should be considered, and the need for hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and workplace and educational accommodations should be discussed. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03780153.

scholarly journals Utilizing True Wireless Stereo Earbuds in Automated Pure-Tone Audiometry

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 233121652110573
Author(s):  
Zhenyu Guo ◽  
Guangzheng Yu ◽  
Huali Zhou ◽  
Xianren Wang ◽  
Yigang Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Accuracy Rate ◽  
The Public ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Air Conduction

True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds have become popular and widespread in recent years, and numerous automated pure-tone audiometer applications have been developed for portable devices. However, most of these applications require specifically designed earphones to which the public may not have access. Therefore, the present study investigates the accuracy of automated pure-tone audiometry based on TWS earbuds (Honor FlyPods). The procedure for developing an automated pure-tone audiometer is reported. Calibration of the TWS earbuds was accomplished by electroacoustic measurements and establishing corrected reference equivalent threshold sound pressure levels. The developed audiometer was then compared with a clinical audiometer using 20 hearing-impaired participants. The average signed and absolute deviations between hearing thresholds measured using the two audiometers were 3.1 dB and 6.7 dB, respectively. The overall accuracy rate in determining the presence/absence of hearing loss was 81%. The results show that the proposed procedure for an automated air-conduction audiometer based on TWS earbuds is feasible, and the system gives accurate hearing level estimation using the reported calibration framework.

scholarly journals HEARING IMPAIRMENT, COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, AND BETA-AMYLOID DEPOSITION IN THE ARIC-PET AMYLOID IMAGING STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S551-S551
Author(s):  
Jennifer A Deal ◽  
Andreea Rawlings ◽  
A Richey Sharrett ◽  
Nicholas Reed ◽  
Joshua Betz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Standardized Uptake Value ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Amyloid Deposition ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Cognitive Score ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Hearing impairment is a risk factor for dementia but the mechanism underlying this association is unknown. We investigated the relationship between hearing and cognitive performance and brain β-amyloid deposition in 252 adults aged 67-88 years (37% black race) without dementia from three U.S. communities. Global cortical standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were calculated from florbetapir-positron emission tomography scans, with elevated SUVR defined as &gt;1.2 (the median value). Air conduction hearing threshold levels for the frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz were obtained by pure tone audiometry and averaged for the better-hearing ear to yield a pure tone average (PTA) in decibels hearing level (dB). A composite cognitive score was created from ten neuropsychological tests summarized using latent variable methods. Multivariable-adjusted linear and Poisson regression with robust standard errors were used to estimate the average difference in cognitive scores and prevalence of elevated SUVR, respectively, by hearing impairment status. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, education and APOE ε4 status, hearing was not associated with elevated SUVR [prevalence ratio per 10 db increase (worse hearing) = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.04)]. Results did not differ by race. In contrast, each 10 db increase in hearing impairment was associated with 0.08 standard deviation (95% CI: 0.02, 0.15) lower cognitive score, after adjustment for demographic and cardiovascular factors. Poorer hearing is associated with poorer cognitive performance but not with amyloid deposition, suggesting that the mechanism underlying the relationship between hearing and cognition may be independent of Alzheimer’s-related pathologic brain changes.

scholarly journals Screening for Hearing Impairment in Older Adults by Smartphone-Based Audiometry, Self-Perception, HHIE Screening Questionnaire, and Free-Field Voice Test: Comparative Evaluation of the Screening Accuracy With Standard Pure-Tone Audiometry (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lok Yee Joyce Li ◽  
Shin-Yi Wang ◽  
Cheng-Jung Wu ◽  
Cheng-Yu Tsai ◽  
Te-Fang Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Perception

BACKGROUND Hearing impairment is the most frequent sensory deficit in humans, affecting more than 360 million people worldwide. In fact, hearing impairment is not merely a health problem, but it also has a great impact on the educational performance, economic income, and quality of life. Hearing impairment is therefore an important social concern. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of self-perception, Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire, free-field voice test, and smartphone-based audiometry as tests for screening moderate hearing impairment in older adults in China. METHODS In this study, 41 patients were recruited through a single otology practice. All patients were older than 65 years. Patients with otorrhea and cognitive impairment were excluded. Moderate hearing impairment was defined as mean hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz &gt;40 dB hearing loss (pure-tone average &gt; 40 dB hearing loss). All patients completed 5 hearing tests, namely, the self-perception test, HHIE-S questionnaire test, free-field voice test, smartphone-based audiometry test, and standard pure-tone audiometry by the same audiologist. We compared the results of these tests to the standard audiogram in the better-hearing ear. RESULTS The sensitivity and the specificity of the self-perception test were 0.58 (95% CI 0.29-0.84) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.19-0.54), respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the HHIE-S questionnaire test were 0.67 (95% CI 0.35-0.89) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.316-0.51), respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the free-field voice test were 0.83 (95% CI 0.51-0.97) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.24-0.61), respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the smartphone-based audiometry test were 0.92 (95% CI 0.60-0.99) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.56-0.89), respectively. Smartphone-based audiometry correctly diagnosed the presence of hearing loss with high sensitivity and high specificity. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone-based audiometry may be a dependable screening test to rule out moderate hearing impairment in the older population.

scholarly journals Self-report Measures of Hearing and Vision in Older Adults Participating in the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging are Explained by Behavioral Sensory Measures, Demographic and Social Factors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anni Hämäläinen ◽  
M Kathleen Pichora-Fuller ◽  
Walter Wittich ◽  
Natalie Phillips ◽  
Paul Mick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Sensory Ability ◽  
Hearing Difficulties

Objectives. Our objectives were to 1) determine the prevalence of self-reported hearing, vision and dual sensory (both vision and hearing) difficulties in older Canadian adults; 2) examine the association between self-report and behavioral sensory measures; and 3) controlling for behavioral sensory measures, examine variables that might explain self-reported sensory difficulty, including age, sex, cultural background, socio-economic status, non-sensory comorbidities, cognitive function, and social factors.Design. We used baseline data collected from the 30,097 participants of the comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Participants who were 45 to 85 years of age (mean age = 63 years) were recruited using provincial health registries and random-digit dialing. Analyses were conducted for the sample as a whole or stratified by age. Behavioral sensory data for hearing (pure-tone audiometry) and vision (pinhole-corrected visual acuity) were collected at 11 data collection sites. Self-reported sensory and personal data were obtained through in-person interviews. “Difficulty” was defined as a response of “fair” or “poor” (versus “excellent,” “very good” or “good”) to questions about a.) hearing ability (using a hearing aid if used) and b.) vision (using glasses or corrective lenses if used). Individuals with both hearing and vision difficulties were defined as having dual sensory difficulties. Variables associated with self-reported sensory difficulties were analyzed with multiple regression models.Results. Objective 1. The prevalence of impairments based on behavioral measures was higher than the prevalence of difficulties based on self-report measures. The prevalence based on both types of measures increased with age, but the increase was steeper for behavioralmeasures. Objective 2. In addition to the expected positive associations between self-report and behavioral measures of hearing (OR = 2.291) and vision (OR = 16.139), self-reported sensory difficulty was also explained by other within-modality sensory variables, such as the symmetry of impairment and the use of aids. Objective 3. Controlling for behavioral measures of hearing (better-ear pure-tone average) or vision (better-eye visual acuity), older participants were significantly less likely than younger participants to self-report sensory difficulty. Sensory difficulties were reported more often by males, and those with more comorbid health conditions. Compared to those who did not report vision difficulties, those who did report them were more likely to also report hearing difficulties (OR = 2.723) and vice versa (OR = 2.922). There were modality-specific associations with social variables; for example, independent life space was associated with hearing difficulties, and perceived availability of social support and loneliness with vision difficulties.Conclusions. The low prevalence of self-reported sensory difficulties relative to the behavioral measures of sensory impairments indicates that 1) a simple screening question about sensory ability may not be sufficient to identify older adults who are in the early stages of sensory decline, and 2) self-reported sensory ability is associated with sensory and non-sensory factors. Age, gender, and comorbidities are the most notable non-sensory predictors for both hearing and vision. These findings shed light on how the self-reported sensory difficulties of older adults may reflect clinical measures of sensory impairment as well as non-sensory factors.

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