H70 Birth Cohort Hearing Studies - Hearing health amongst the oldest old. Audiometric data and the connection between hearing and cognition in persons aged 88-90 and 95

Hearing loss is highly prevalent amongst the oldest old. Untreated hearing loss is known to lead to reduced ability to communicate, possible social isolation and loss of autonomy. It is also connected to other health issues such as accelerated cognitive decline, depression and increased risk of dementia. For these reasons, hearing rehabilitation is vital. Diagnostic testing and rehabilitation of hearing loss must be designed in accordance with the older person’s abilities and needs for instance to assess hearing impairment in those that cannot participate in conventional audiometry. This project is an extended hearing study consisting of two separate sub-groups (88-95 years). The aim of the project is to ameliorate, and contribute to the knowledge about, hearing health and testing in the oldest old.