Otolaryngology and the Global Burden of Disease

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project provides longitudinal analysis of the global burden of otolaryngologic diseases by measuring the all-cause mortality, years of life lost, the years of life lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life years. Hearing loss burden is assessed overall and as sequelae of other diseases, such as otitis media or meningitis. Using these measures, we can appreciate the high prevalence and disability related to hearing loss globally. Other otolaryngologic diseases that contribute to the GBD include otitis media, cleft lip and palate, head and neck cancer, facial trauma, and oral disorders.