Prevalence, risk factors and causes of hearing loss among adults 50 years and older in Santiago, Chile: results from a rapid assessment of hearing loss survey

Abstract

Objective

Among a representative sample of adults aged 50 years and older too (i) determine the prevalence of hearing loss, (ii) evaluate probable causes and risk factors of hearing loss, and (iii) assess the association between hearing loss measured by audiometry and self-report.

Design

A population-based survey of adults aged 50 and older in Santiago, Chile using the Rapid Assessment of Hearing Loss (RAHL) survey.

Study sample

538 participants completed a questionnaire, which included questions on socio-demographic and health characteristics and self-reported hearing loss. Hearing and possible cause of hearing loss was assessed using pure tone audiometry (0.5–4.0 kHz), tympanometry, and otoscopy.

Results

The prevalence of any level of hearing loss in adults aged 50 years and older was 41% (95% CI 33.2, 49.2). In terms of aetiologies, 89.3% of ears with mild or worse hearing loss were classified as sensorineural. Otoscopy was abnormal in 10.7% of subjects with impacted earwax being the most common finding (4.4%) followed by chronic otitis media (3.5%). Hearing aid usage was 16.6%. Older age, lower socioeconomic position, lack of education, and solvent exposure were significantly associated with hearing loss.

Conclusion

Hearing loss among individuals aged over 50 years was common in Santiago, Chile.

Keywords:

• Demographics/epidemiology
• adult or general hearing screening
• ageing
• hearing aids

Acknowledgments

This research has been possible through the hard work of many individuals and organizations. First, we thank the study participants for taking part. Second, we recognize the help of the workers of the primary health centers for their assistance in the fieldwork. Finally, we thank the International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for the design, training, and following of the survey protocol development and analysis. Electronic data solutions were provided by LSHTM Open Research Kits (odk.lshtm.ac.uk).

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Ministry of Health of Chile, CBM and OPS/OMS.