A NEW ERA IN ASSESSING THE BURDEN OF HEARING LOSS IN LATER LIFE USING PATIENT RECORDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHY AGING
2024
Assessing Hearing Loss in Older Adults
Sample size: 2700000
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Tsimpida Dialechti
Primary Institution: University of Southampton
Hypothesis
The study aims to quantify the burden and distribution of hearing loss in older adults using patient records.
Conclusion
The study found significant disparities in hearing health that are not solely related to age, with deprivation being a major factor.
Supporting Evidence
- Hearing loss is a leading cause of disability in later life.
- Deprivation explained up to 35% of the variance in hearing loss.
- Health policy needs to move beyond age-based projections.
Takeaway
Hearing loss is a big problem for older people, and where you live can affect how well you hear, not just your age.
Methodology
The study analyzed anonymized longitudinal medical records of 2.7 million patients using advanced spatial analysis techniques.
Participant Demographics
Older adults in the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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