In their preface, the authors highlight the great social and medical importance of hearing loss in the elderly, an ever-increasing problem. It is, therefore, most appropriate that a monograph, devoted to research in this field, features as an addition to the Bloomsbury Series in Clinical Science. Written by two leading authorities, the book reviews the past and present literature, details the clinical aspects and considers the electrophysiological and histopatho­ logical issues basic to the overall problem. It continues the high standard and excellence fostered by previous issues in the Series. London, August 1990 Jack Tinker Preface The number of very old people in the community is steadily increasing so the hearing loss that many of them endure has become a disorder of social and medical importance. Only by a greater scientific knowledge of old age deafness can there be any possibility for improvement in the care offered to its sufferers.