Double disability: the hearing-impaired blind in the Sultanate of Oman

A survey to estimate the magnitude and causes of blindness and hearing loss was undertaken in Oman in 1996-97. An analysis correlating blindness with hearing loss is presented. Twenty-eight subjects among 11,400 examined had double disability, with a prevalence rate of 2.46/1000 (95% CI 1.55-3.36). Females and older age groups had a higher risk of double disability than did males (relative risk (RR) 3.95, 95%, CI 1.34-8.1) and younger age groups (RR 9.91, 95% CI 3.9-21.2). Twenty-five per cent of subjects with double disability had curable blindness, while 33% had preventable blindness. Only 10% of subjects with double disability had curable causes of hearing loss. The number of cases with double disabilities in Oman might decrease, due to the improved healthcare in last two decades. However, the increase in the aging population necessitates intervention to prevent double disability. An emphasis on the prevention of blindness could address the problem more effectively.