The Aging Ear
A special issue of Audiology Research (ISSN 2039-4349).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 271
Special Issue Editors
Interests: hearing disorders; otology; cochlear implants; audiology; genetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: clinical geriatrics; epidemiology of aging; lifelong health promotion; healthy aging; musculoskeletal diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Aging is a progressive, multifactorial biological process characterized by a gradual decline in physiological and cognitive functions, beginning in early adulthood and continuing throughout the lifespan. It results from the cumulative effects of molecular and cellular damage, impaired tissue homeostasis, and reduced regenerative capacity. Genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors modulate the trajectory of aging, while the progressive failure of repair and maintenance mechanisms increases vulnerability to disease. Aging is the predominant risk factor for a broad spectrum of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Beyond systemic disease, it contributes to progressive impairments in motor control, memory, and other cognitive domains, as well as profound social and emotional transitions such as retirement, relocation, and bereavement.
One of the most prevalent sensory consequences of aging is age-related hearing loss, which affects a substantial proportion of older adults. Presbycusis is primarily caused by structural and functional degeneration within the auditory system, from the external ear to cortical areas, including loss of cochlear hair cells, degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons, strial atrophy, and alterations in central auditory pathways. These changes reduce auditory sensitivity, particularly to high frequencies, and impair temporal and spatial sound processing, which severely limits speech perception in noisy environments. Concomitant vascular insufficiency and metabolic decline further exacerbate cochlear vulnerability.
In parallel, age-related deterioration of the vestibular apparatus—including loss of vestibular hair cells, degeneration of the vestibular nerve, and reduced efficacy of central vestibular integration—leads to impaired balance control. This contributes to postural instability, dizziness, and an increased risk of falls, which represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population.
Early identification of presbycusis and vestibular dysfunction, through audiological and vestibular testing, is essential for timely intervention. Evidence-based strategies such as amplification devices (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants), auditory rehabilitation, and vestibular rehabilitation programs can significantly mitigate functional decline, enhance communication, reduce fall risk, and improve overall quality of life in older adults.
Prof. Dr. Alessandro Martini
Prof. Dr. Stefania Maggi
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Audiology Research is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- genetics and epigenetics of aging
- external and middle ear aging
- presbycusis
- presbyastasia
- cognitive decline
- aural rehabilitation
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