Summaries for patients. Screening for hearing loss in older adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

DESCRIPTION Update of the 1996 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation statement on screening for hearing impairment in older adults. METHODS The USPSTF reviewed evidence published between 1950 and January 2010 on screening for age-related sensorineural hearing impairment in adults aged 50 years or older without diagnosed hearing loss in the primary care setting. POPULATION This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults aged 50 years or older. It does not apply to persons seeking evaluation for perceived hearing problems or for cognitive or affective symptoms that may be related to hearing loss. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for hearing loss in asymptomatic adults aged 50 years or older (I statement).