AUTHOR=Zhou Wan-Qiong , Liu Jing , Gao Yi-Tian , Zhou Lan-Shu 

TITLE=Exploration of the factors influencing hearing disability in older adults of China: a nested case-control study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1305924

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1305924

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Objective: As two line trends -aging disability and disability aging -continue to emerge, hearing disability is becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults in china.This study aimed to investigate the incidence of hearing disability among older adults and identify the various factors contributing to its development. Methods: In this matched nested case-control study, data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011-2018 were analyzed. A total of 4523 older adults were recruited from a national sample database, of which 1094 individuals were eligible for inclusion in the hearing disability cohort, while 3429 older adults who had not been diagnosed with hearing disability were considered non-hearing disability controls. Hearing disability was assessed by a self-reported question. These controls were matched to hearing disability cases in a 1:1 ratio based on age and sex. The logistic regression models were used to find out various factors of hearing disability in the target population. Results: Totally 1094 individuals (24.14%) developed hearing disability during the follow-up period. After 1:1 matching, 2182 subjects were included in the study, with 1091 cases in the case group. Factors that influenced the incidence of hearing disability in older adults included annual per capita household income (OR=0.985, P=0.003), cognitive function (OR=0.982, P=0.015), depression level (OR=1.027, P<0.001), somatic mobility (OR=0.946, P=0.007), history of kidney disease (OR=1.659, P<0.001), history of asthma (OR=1.527, P=0.008), history of accidental injuries (OR=1.348, P=0.015), whether there is a place for recreational and fitness activities in the community (OR=0.672, P<0.001), and whether there is a health service center/health center in the community (OR=0.882, P=0.006).The incidence of hearing disabilities among older adults in China is high. The protective and risk factors that contribute to the incidence of disability should be fully considered in the care of older adults.