PREVALENCE OF HEARING-LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS IN BEAVER-DAM, WISCONSIN -THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEARING-LOSS STUDY

There are no recent population-based data on the prevalence of hearing loss in older adults using standard audiometric testing. The populati on-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study was designed to measure th e prevalence of hearing loss in adults aged 48-92 years, residing in B eaver Dam, Wisconsin. Hearing thresholds were measured with standardiz ed protocols using pure-tone air- and bone-conduction audiometry in so und-treated booths. The examination also included an otoscopic evaluat ion, screening tympanogram, and a questionnaire on hearing-related med ical history, noise exposure, other potential risk factors, and self-p erceived hearing handicap, Of the 4,541 eligible people, 3,753 (82.6%) participated in the hearing study (1993-1995). The average age of par ticipants was 65.8 years, and 57.7% were women. The prevalence of hear ing loss was 45.9%, The odds of hearing loss increased with age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.88 for 5 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80-1.97) and were greater for men than women (OR = 4.42, 95% CI 3.73-5.24). Th e male excess of hearing loss remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, education, noise exposure, and occupation (OR = 3. 65). These results demonstrate that hearing loss is a very common prob lem affecting older adults. Epidemiologic studies are needed to unders tand the genetic, environmental, and sex-related determinants of age-r elated hearing loss and to identify potential intervention strategies.