Sixteen-year change in acoustic-admittance measures among older adults: data from a population-based study

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2013 Dec;56(6):1745-50. doi: 10.1044/1092-4388(2013/12-0381).

Abstract

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to measure the 16-year change in peak compensated static acoustic admittance (Peak Y(tm)) in a population-based cohort of older adults, and to determine whether age was associated with any observed change in Peak Y(tm). Other tympanometric measures also were taken and analyzed.

Method: Data from two examinations (1993-1995 and 2009-2010) of the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (n = 1,439 with data at both examinations, ages 48-84 years at baseline) were utilized to assess 16-year change. Tympanometric measures were taken using a 226-Hz probe tone, a positive-to-negative direction of pressure change, and a measured pump speed of 600/200 daPa/s.

Results: During the 16-year period, Peak Y(tm) declined an average of 0.009 mmho/year (0.009/year for women, 0.007/year for men). Among women, older baseline age was associated with greater decline in Peak Y(tm). Among men, baseline age was associated with change in Peak Y(tm), but in a nonlinear pattern. Other tympanometric measures demonstrated little change after 16 years.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate a small degree of middle-ear stiffening after 16 years among these older adults, but not enough to affect function in a manner that would influence clinical decisions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Impedance Tests / methods*
  • Acoustics
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Ear, Middle / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss / diagnosis*
  • Hearing Loss / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Persons With Hearing Impairments / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pressure