Hearing aid provision in the aged

An analysis of 100 patients aged over 60 years, referred by the general practitioners to the Department of ENT, for the provision of a hearing aid is presetned, 57% of the patients have treatable disease, on examination, and do not need the hearing aid. Use of hearing aid in the aged without an otologist consultation carry a risk of loosing diagnosis and treating a condition. It is suggested that every person with hearing loss should be examined by an ENT specialist before hearing aid should be provided