Correlates of Hearing Impairments in Older Adults: Findings from the Health and Retirement Survey 2016-2018

Background and Objectives Hearing impairment (HI) is one of the most common disabilities in older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the descriptive epidemiology of HI in 15,179 older adults in the 2016-2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Research Design and Methods Hearing was assessed at two pitches (1000, 3000 Hz) and 3 loudness levels (35, 55, 75 dB HL). HI was defined as hearing <50% of tones in one or both ears. Demographics (age, race, ethnicity, sex, education), noisy occupation, smoking status, and medical comorbidities (diabetes, CVD, hypertension, cancer, stroke, dementia) were assessed via survey. Associations between HI and these factors were evaluated using Poisson regression. Results HI was highly prevalent (74% overall), and varied by sex (76.2% men, 72.1% women), ethnicity (78.7% Hispanic, 72.8% non-Hispanic) and age (21-65 years-old 64.3%, 65-80 years-old 81.3%, 80+ years-old 93.5%). After multivariable adjustment, HI was less common in women compared to men (IRR: 0.92; CI: 0.87-0.98) and was more common in those with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity compared to White (IRR:1.13, CI: 1.03-1.23). HI was more common in those with less than a college degree (less than high school: IRR = 1.47, CI = 1.34-1.61; high school graduate: IRR = 1.24, CI = 1.13-1.35; some college: IRR = 1.15, CI = 1.06-1.24). Compared to non-smokers, current smokers had higher risk of HI (IRR = 1.19, CI = 1.11-1.28). Lastly, history of stroke was associated with a greater risk of HI (IRR = 1.06, CI = 1.02-1.11). Discussion and Implications HI is highly prevalent in the HRS sample and is correlated with chronic diseases and demographic factors. This study underscores the need for regular hearing screening and intervention among older US adults.