Presbycusis and its management.

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is becoming a public health issue. With the large number of ageing baby boomers, primary care providers can expect to see an increase in older adults suffering from chronic health problems such as presbycusis. It is the primary care provider's responsibility to perform prompt auditory screenings and to recognize the early clinical signs and symptoms of hearing loss. Early interventions, such as hearing aids or surgery, could help to improve the client's quality of life. Primary care providers should also teach older adults proper auditory hygiene, and provide information regarding support groups to the family and the caregiver as needed.