Hearing impairment prevalence and risk factors among adults in rural China: a population-based cross-sectional study

Objective: Over the past few decades, the prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) has rapidly increased, making HI one of the most common causes of disability, globally. The burden of HI is particularly heavy in low socioeconomic status populations. Despite extensive research into the range of HI prevalence in low socioeconomic status populations, worldwide, population-based studies have been rare. Thus, we explored HI prevalence and risk factors among low-income, middle-aged and elderly individuals in Tianjin, China.Method: Between September and November 2013, 2351 rural residents in Tianjin, China were recruited into the study. All participants completed questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, laboratory examinations, and hearing tests. HI was measured using pure-tone audiometry, and audiologists determined the final diagnoses.Results: Among the 2351 participants, ≥45 years old, the prevalence of HI was 49.3%, including 54.3% among men and 46.0% among women. Slight HI accounted for the largest proportion of individuals (40.7%). The risk of HI among men was 32.9% higher than among women. Moreover, the risk of HI increased with increasing age. Compared with the 45-54-year-old group, the risk of HI in individuals in the 55-64-year-old, 65-74-year-old, and ≥75-year-old groups were 25.8%, 109.9%, and 373.7% higher, respectively. Moreover, increased with each 1-mmHg SBP, the risk of HI increase 0.7% (95%CI: 1.001-1.013; P = 0.017); while increased with each 1-mmHg DBP, the risk of HI decrease 1.7% (95%CI: 0.973-0.993; P = 0.001)Conclusions: The burden of HI in rural northern China is heavy, especially among elderly men and people with elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP). Addressing HI prevention is critical for reducing the HI burden and improving quality of life.