Peer-reviewed article
Global trends in hearing loss among the working-age population: a 30-year epidemiological analysis.
Bing-Yu Liang, Ping-Ting Zhou, Zi-Hui Xie, Ke Han, Fen-Fen Li et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This epidemiological analysis examines global trends in hearing loss among working-age adults from 1992 to 2021 using Global Burden of Disease data. The study found that hearing loss prevalence increased to 524 million cases in 2021, a 56.9% increase since 1992, driven mainly by population growth and aging. The research identified gender differences, with higher male incidence but faster female growth, and noted that the affected population is becoming younger. An unexpected improvement was observed globally from 2017-2021, possibly related to COVID-19 pandemic effects.
Key points
- Global working-age adult hearing loss prevalence reached 524 million in 2021, representing a 56.9% increase since 1992
- Male incidence rates of hearing loss are higher, but female growth rates are faster
- The patient population affected by hearing loss is gradually becoming younger
- Age-period-cohort analysis showed upward birth cohort trends in high to middle SDI countries
- Unexpected improvement in hearing loss prevalence trends observed globally and regionally from 2017-2021
Limitations
This study focuses on working-age adults and does not address hearing loss in children specifically. The analysis cannot explain the causal mechanisms behind the observed COVID-19 pandemic effects on hearing loss prevalence trends.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss (HL) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with a particularly severe impact on low- and middle-income countries and causing a huge economic burden. While child HL prevention exists, working-age adults (WAP) struggle to avoid occupational and environmental risks. METHOD: Using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, this study analyzed global HL prevalence trends in the WAP (1992-2021). Analyses included age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), estimated annual percentage change, and age-period-cohort (APC) modeling, stratified by gender, age, cause, severity, and Social Demographic Index (SDI). RESULT: Global WAP HL prevalence significantly increased to 524 million in 2021 (a 56.9% increase since 1992), primarily due to population growth and aging. Age period cohort (APC) analysis revealed different patterns: as age increases, risk increases and cyclical effects generally increased (except in low SDI regions). The upward trend of birth cohorts in high to middle SDI countries was worrying. In addition, this study also observed that there was a gender difference in the prevalence trend of HL in WAP (male incidence rate was higher, but female growth was faster), and the patient population was gradually younger. Improved trends from 2017-2021 globally and regionally suggest a potential, albeit unexpected, positive influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on HL prevalence. CONCLUSION: The global HL burden in the WAP is large and uneven, necessitating targeted interventions focusing on modifiable risks and SDI disparities. Further research is essential to understand the trends observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve prevention strategies.