Based on a new model, researchers have proposed a way to prevent hearing loss in older people by addressing socioeconomic inequalities encountered while young.
The model developed by University of Manchester researchers could have an impact on the estimated 466 million people worldwide with disabling hearing loss, which mostly affects the elderly.
Published in Trends in Hearing, this is the first study examining the mechanisms and explaining the relationship between a lifetime of socioeconomic inequalities and hearing health.
Previous studies have shown that people with hearing loss are more likely to have poorer educational achievement, higher rates of unemployment and lower annual family income compared to those with other health conditions.
They are also more likely to have long-term health conditions and a higher overall disease burden than older people without hearing loss.
Lead researcher Dr Dalia Tsimpida said: “Hearing deterioration is a lifelong process but not an inevitable result of aging. Understanding this process is an essential step in addressing the global burden of hearing loss.”
Dr Tsimpida, a postdoctoral researcher at the University’s Institute for Health Policy and Organization (IHPO), added: “The key determinants of poor hearing health in the course of a life and their interdependency as described by this model is a powerful way to intervene in this major problem.
“Our focus is not simply on the age of older adults but on factors which impact on people earlier in life, which if modified could reduce hearing loss in older age.”
“This approach in hearing health can lead to the development of appropriate interventions and public health strategies that can have significant health policy and practice implications.”
Study co-author Dr Maria Panagioti said: “This model provides now a visual representation of the several modifiable factors of hearing loss in distinct life stages and their evolution over time, which is new thinking in hearing loss research.
“Given the burden of adult-onset hearing loss, such a conceptual tool for hearing health inequalities has the potential of improving the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals.”
Source: Medical Xpress
Journal information: Dialechti Tsimpida et al, Conceptual Model of Hearing Health Inequalities (HHI Model): A Critical Interpretive Synthesis, Trends in Hearing (2021). DOI: 10.1177/23312165211002963
