PRESBYACUSIS RELATED TO SOCIOECONOMIC-FACTORS AND STATE OF HEALTH

Two cohorts of elderly persons were studied as regards presbyacusis. O ne age cohort was followed longitudinally from age 70 to age 88. The o ther cohort was investigated at age 70. In the study, hearing function was correlated with socioeconomic factors and other factors related t o general health. Persons with higher social class affiliation and hig her education had better hearing than those belonging to a lower socia l class and with no higher education. Persons without symptoms of any disease had better hearing than those with symptoms and signs of disea ses. Those who died within four to ave years after the test session ha d poorer hearing than those who lived longer. In conclusion, the prese nt study has shown correlations between socioeconomic and health facto rs on the one hand and presbyacusis on the other.