| Popis: |
This chapter describes auditory aging. The prevalence and severity of hearing impairment increases with age. Most people over 70 years old have impaired hearing. Age-related hearing loss can result from damage to multiple structures in the auditory system. The typical high-frequency pure-tone threshold elevation resulting from cochlea damage renders high-frequency sounds inaudible. Neural degeneration can occur independently or with cochlear damage and have deleterious consequences for suprathreshold auditory processing. Older listeners often have difficulty using temporal fine structure and envelope cues for speech communication and possibly also for music. Difficulties listening in complex real-world communication situations can increase demands on cognitive processing resources, even for older adults who have normal thresholds or use hearing aids. Hearing impairment is associated with incident dementia and physical, psychological, and social health issues such as falls, depression, and loneliness. Future approaches to rehabilitation including music should improve everyday communication functioning and promote aging well. |
