Prevalence of hearing impairment and its correlates among a group of hospitalized chronically ill elderly patients in Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Hearing impairment (HI) is one of the most common health problems among the elderly. The major risk factors for HI include aging, exposure to noise, chronic morbidities, and ototoxic drugs. Although the relation between HI and chronic morbidities among the elderly is well documented, it often receives minimal attention. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HI and its correlates among a group of hospitalized chronically ill elderly patients in Alexandria, Egypt. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 370 chronically ill elderly patients in the internal medicine wards of Alexandria Main University Hospital. A structured pre-coded interview schedule was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and medical history. A questionnaire for screening for HI in the elderly was also used. The majority of elderly patients (78.6%) complained of HI. HI was prevalent among all elderly patients aged 90 years and older. It was also more prevalent among women (82.2%), among single and divorced elderly patients (95.7 and 91.7%, respectively), among those who were illiterate or could only read and write (93.2%), among all skilled workers, and among housewives (82.2%). HI was also most prevalent among elderly patients who lived alone (82.6%), hypertensive elders (87.6%), and elderly patients taking analgesics (85.4%). Hypertension and the intake of a number of medications were significantly associated with HI. It is recommended to use screening procedures for the identification of individuals with HI and to refer them for further audiologic evaluation.