Hearing Loss in Korean Immigrant Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Han Hae-Ra, Betz Joshua, Kwak Jacqueline, Park Joanne, Trumbo Jami, Nieman Carrie
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of hearing loss among community-dwelling Korean American older adults?
Conclusion
More than half of the older Korean Americans screened had clinically significant hearing loss, highlighting a need for better access to hearing care.
Supporting Evidence
- 55.4% of older Korean Americans screened had clinically significant hearing loss.
- 56% of individuals reported never having their hearing screened.
- 12% of individuals with hearing loss reported current hearing aid use.
Takeaway
Many older Korean Americans have trouble hearing, and most have never been checked for it, which is a big problem.
Methodology
Screening conducted at 18 Korean ethnic churches in the Baltimore-Washington area.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and limited English proficiency.
Limitations
Limited to a specific geographic area and may not represent all Korean Americans.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 72.6 years, 61.5% women, 54.1% with annual income less than $50K, 97.8% limited English proficiency.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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