Factors Influencing Hearing Loss, Receipt of Hearing Evaluations, and Hearing Device use Among Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Groups.

PURPOSE

This study explored factors influencing racial/ethnic disparities in hearing loss, receipt of a hearing test, and use of a hearing aid among elderly adults.

METHOD

Secondary data analysis of the last three releases of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) examined the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss, receipt of a hearing evaluation, and hearing aid (HA) utilization among adults over aged 65. Multilevel logistic regression models for each outcome of interest accounted for the intersectional influence of individual characteristics, socioeconomic level, and health status on hearing-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Findings confirm that age is the most influential factor related to the presence of hearing loss with the relative likelihood of hearing loss increasing from 6 to 13% with each additional year of age, but educational attainment and health status are also correlated. Age was also correlated with the likelihood of receiving a hearing evaluation among Hispanics, Whites, and Blacks, but health status was the primary determinant among Other Races. While age and male sex were also significantly related to use of a HA or amplification device for Hispanics and Whites, educational achievement was the primary correlate of HA or other devices use among Blacks.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest significant racial/ethnic variation in determinants of hearing loss, receipt of a hearing evaluation, and use of a HA or other amplification device beyond age. In addition, factors that influence receipt of hearing evaluations and hearing device use differ between racial/ethnic groups.