Call for papers - Age-related hearing loss

Guest Editors

Michelle L. Arnold, AuD, PhD, University of South Florida, USA
Nattawan Utoomprurkporn, MD, PhD, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 19 September 2025

BMC Geriatrics is inviting submissions to our Collection on Age-related hearing loss in older adults.

Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is a growing health concern amongst older adults. Current literature suggests that 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 experience hearing loss, whilst nearly 50% of people over 75 have difficulty hearing. Factors such as the stigmatization and prohibitive cost of assistive devices have ensured that age-related hearing loss is thought to be underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite the high prevalence and known negative impact. This Collection aims to gather comprehensive research on the various aspects of age-related hearing loss, from its underlying mechanisms to innovative interventions and support strategies.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Michelle L. Arnold, AuD, PhD, University of South Florida, USA

Dr Michelle Arnold is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) and a practicing audiologist in the state of Florida. Dr Arnold engages in a variety of interdisciplinary efforts to understand the complex relationships between hearing loss, other age-related chronic health conditions, and social determinants of health. Her current work focuses on the impacts of public policy and legislation on hearing health care access and use. Her long-term goals are to improve accessibility and utilization of hearing care through targeted intervention efforts designed to address barriers to care.

Nattawan Utoomprurkporn, MD, PhD, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Dr Nattawan Utoomprurkporn is an accomplished otoneurologist and specialist in audiovestibular medicine with a deep commitment to advancing geriatric care. She holds an MSc and PhD in Neuroaudiology and Audiovestibular Medicine from the prestigious UCL Ear Institute (UK), where her research focused on the intricate interplay between age-related hearing loss and cognitive health among older adults. Currently a consultant specialist doctor at a leading teaching university hospital, Dr Utoomprurkporn is dedicated to improving diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies for older adults with hearing and balance disorders focusing on improving their quality of life and cognitive health.

About the Collection

BMC Geriatrics is inviting submissions to our Collection on Age-related hearing loss in older adults.

Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is a growing health concern amongst older adults. Current literature suggests that 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 experience hearing loss, whilst nearly 50% of people over 75 have difficulty hearing.

Presbycusis is a complex disorder caused by the gradual degeneration of sensory cells, reducing the ability to hear higher frequency noises. Whilst the morphological changes associated with presbycusis are irreversible, hearing aids and other assistive devices can be used for symptom management. In addition to the physical symptoms, hearing loss is known to have a significant impact on the quality of life of older adults; barriers to communication can lead to psychological effects such as social isolation, depression, and loneliness. Research suggests a link between hearing loss and risk of dementia, whereas the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that utilizing hearing aids reduced the rate of cognitive decline by almost 50% over a 3-year period.

Factors such as the stigmatization and prohibitive cost of assistive devices have ensured that age-related hearing loss is thought to be underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite the high prevalence and known negative impact. This Collection aims to gather comprehensive research on the various aspects of age-related hearing loss, from its underlying mechanisms to innovative interventions and support strategies. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Investigations into the prevalence and risk factors associated with age-related hearing loss across different populations and settings
Evaluation of current and emerging interventions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, pharmacological treatments, and alternative therapies
Exploration of the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline
Examination of how hearing loss affects daily activities, social interactions, and mental health in older adults
Analysis of public health initiatives, policies, and programs designed to address hearing loss in older adults, including accessibility and affordability of care

The prevalence of age-related hearing loss is expected to increase as the global population ages, making it an increasingly important public health concern. By addressing the multifaceted aspects of age-related hearing loss, this Collection aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults and promote their active participation in society.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Age-related hearing loss" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.