Prevalence Trends in Hearing Aid use Among US Adults with Hearing Loss
Authors List
Wu, H. Department of Otolaryngology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
Thallmayer, T., Deal, J., Reed, N., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health - Baltimore, Maryland
Lin, F. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Aims
This cross-sectional study investigates changes in hearing aid (HA) use among adults aged 50 to 69 in the US, comparing data from 2011-2016 to 1999-2004.
Introduction
Hearing loss (HL) prevalence increases with age, but HA usage historically remains low, under 20%. Untreated HL increases risks of cognitive decline, social isolation, depression and reduced quality of life. Evaluating HA use trends is essential, especially with new legislation for over-the-counter HAs.
Methods
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were utilized, encompassing merged cycles from 1999-2004 and 2011-2016. The cohort included adults aged 50-69 with audiometric and covariate data. HA use was measured by survey questions on frequency of use, adjusted for differing response categories across periods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with less stringent HA definitions for 1999-2004.
Audiometry was performed using NHANES protocols, defining hearing levels by the speech-frequency pure-tone average in the better-hearing ear, categorized as mild (25-39 dB), moderate (40-59 dB), and severe (60+ dB). Comparisons of HL and HA use by time period employed odds ratios, with multivariable-adjusted logistic regression controlling for age, sex, education, race, and hearing. Data analysis used Stata 16 S, incorporating sample weights for NHANES' complex design.
Results
In 2011-2016, HL prevalence among adults aged 50-69 decreased by 4.4% compared to 1999-2004, while HA use increased by 7.5%. The adjusted odds of HA use were 2.85 times higher in 2011-2016. Results were consistent across HA definitions.
Discussion
Adults aged 50-69 were less likely to have HL and more likely to use HAs in 2011-2016 than in 1999-2004. Higher HA usage may stem from increased awareness of HL health impacts or generational differences. Despite these trends, many adults still have untreated HL, highlighting the need for active policy and interventions to enhance hearing care access and affordability.
Wu, H. Department of Otolaryngology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
Thallmayer, T., Deal, J., Reed, N., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health - Baltimore, Maryland
Lin, F. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Aims
This cross-sectional study investigates changes in hearing aid (HA) use among adults aged 50 to 69 in the US, comparing data from 2011-2016 to 1999-2004.
Introduction
Hearing loss (HL) prevalence increases with age, but HA usage historically remains low, under 20%. Untreated HL increases risks of cognitive decline, social isolation, depression and reduced quality of life. Evaluating HA use trends is essential, especially with new legislation for over-the-counter HAs.
Methods
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were utilized, encompassing merged cycles from 1999-2004 and 2011-2016. The cohort included adults aged 50-69 with audiometric and covariate data. HA use was measured by survey questions on frequency of use, adjusted for differing response categories across periods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with less stringent HA definitions for 1999-2004.
Audiometry was performed using NHANES protocols, defining hearing levels by the speech-frequency pure-tone average in the better-hearing ear, categorized as mild (25-39 dB), moderate (40-59 dB), and severe (60+ dB). Comparisons of HL and HA use by time period employed odds ratios, with multivariable-adjusted logistic regression controlling for age, sex, education, race, and hearing. Data analysis used Stata 16 S, incorporating sample weights for NHANES' complex design.
Results
In 2011-2016, HL prevalence among adults aged 50-69 decreased by 4.4% compared to 1999-2004, while HA use increased by 7.5%. The adjusted odds of HA use were 2.85 times higher in 2011-2016. Results were consistent across HA definitions.
Discussion
Adults aged 50-69 were less likely to have HL and more likely to use HAs in 2011-2016 than in 1999-2004. Higher HA usage may stem from increased awareness of HL health impacts or generational differences. Despite these trends, many adults still have untreated HL, highlighting the need for active policy and interventions to enhance hearing care access and affordability.
