The relationship of hearing loss with dizziness and tinnitus in the elderly population

Abstract

Introduction: Hearing loss related to symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus may be a limiting factor reported by elderly population with psychosocial consequences. Objectives: To verify the relationship between hearing loss and complaints related to dizziness, tinnitus and communication disorders in the elderly population. Method: This is a retrospective study that included the analysis of 468 records of elderly people enrolled in the period from 2011 to 2015 in Rehabilitation Service. Data regarding age, gender, self-reported complaints of tinnitus, difficulty in understanding speech and dizziness, as well as the results of audiometric evaluation (presence or absence of hearing loss), symmetry and degree of hearing loss and laterality were collected. Results: The sample consisted of 295 (63%) records of female subjects and 173 (37%) males with a mean age of 72.7 years. The complaint “listen and not understand” was found in 64.7% of the elderly followed by complaint of tinnitus (45.1%) and dizziness (20,3%). It has been observed that dizziness has a significant relationship with complaining about not understanding speech (p.0,001; R=0,17) and between tinnitus and dizziness.(p,0,001;R=0,32). It can be observed that 77.7% of the subjects presented losses classified as moderate to moderately severe, symmetrical (80.6%) and bilateral (96.8%). Conclusion: Based on these findings, local managers will be able to prepare adequate management to improve the quality of service and life of this elderly population