Hearing healthcare utilisation among older adults with self-reported hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

Abstract

Objective To ascertain the prevalence, causes, and risk factors of hearing healthcare delays in older people with self-reported hearing loss in the United States. Design This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Ageing Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative survey of Medicare beneficiaries. A supplemental COVID-19 survey was mailed to the participants from June to October 2020. Study sample By January 2021, 3257 participants had returned completed COVID-19 questionnaires, with the majority having been self-administered between July and August 2020. Results The participants in the study represented 32.7 million older adults in the US, with 29.1% reporting hearing loss. Among over 12.4 million older adults who put off needed or planned medical care, 19.6% of those with self-reported hearing loss and 24.5% of hearing aid or device users stated they delayed hearing appointments. Approximately 629,911 older adults with hearing devices were impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak for audiological services. The top three reasons were deciding to wait, service cancellation, and fear of going. Education and race/ethnicity were associated with delaying hearing healthcare. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic impacted hearing healthcare utilisation among older adults with self-reported hearing loss in 2020, with both patient- and provider- initiated delays.