The prevalence and correlates of self-reported hearing impairment in the Ibadan Study of Ageing

This cohort study of 1302 persons aged ≥65 years, conducted in the Yoruba-speaking regions of Nigeria, determines the prevalence and correlates of hearing impairment (HI) in the elderly population. Self-reports of HI and its putative risk factors among several indices were obtained using face-to-face interviews, and confirmed by observer's evaluation. Hearing impairment was found in 79 respondents, giving a prevalence of 6.1%. Gender difference was not significant but increasing age was associated with higher prevalence. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex, revealed that history of recurrent suppurative otitis media [odds ratio (OR) = 4.6, 95% CI 2.34–8.99, P = 0.01], head injury (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.14–4.26, P = 0.02) and current hypertension (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.18–3.57, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with HI. No identifiable risk factors were found in 32 (40.5%) of the 79 respondents with HI. We conclude that the prevalence of HI among the elderly in Nigeria is comparable to reports from other countries. Identified risk factors were preventable or controllable. The large proportion of elderly with no identifiable risk factors, presumably presbyacusis, suggests a need for further study. The strategies for control of these risk factors and hearing aid support should be integrated into health care policy initiatives for elderly persons in sub-Saharan Africa.