Geriatric Otology: Population Health and Clinical Implications

The aging process has unique and important consequences for the otologic health of older adults. Increasing evidence demonstrates the impact of age-related hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction on healthy aging. Innovative approaches that draw upon transdisciplinary principles and methodology seek to address and mitigate the clinical and public health consequences of these pervasive conditions. This chapter will first review the current understanding of the epidemiology of aging in the United States to provide the context for understanding the unique needs of the older adult population. This chapter will then focus on two specific and growing geriatric otologic conditions, age-related hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction.