Community Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Older Adults in New England
Author Information
Author(s): Frimpong Eric, Fleet Alexa, Gallero Constanza Tamara Matta, Jansen Taylor, Dugan Elizabeth
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe community prevalence of hearing loss and compare self-report measures with clinically derived measures.
Conclusion
Clinically diagnosed hearing loss rates were higher than self-reported rates, indicating variability in community prevalence.
Supporting Evidence
- Clinically diagnosed hearing loss rates were higher than self-reported rates in all states studied.
- The highest self-reported hearing loss rate was found in Monroe, MA.
- Hanover, NH had the highest rate of clinically diagnosed hearing loss.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many older adults have hearing loss in New England and found that doctors' reports show more cases than people say they have.
Methodology
Data were analyzed from the Healthy Aging Data Report and Medicare claims across several New England states.
Participant Demographics
Older adults in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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