Prevalence And Factors Associated With Self-Reported Hearing Loss Among Registered Pensioners In Ghana

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss affects quality of life. Prevalence of hearing loss varies across various geographical regions. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported hearing loss among the registered pensioners in Ghana 
Method: the study was a cross-sectional nation-wide study among members of the national pensioners association. It was carried out in thirteen study sites with at least a study site in each region capital of Ghana. Questionnaire administration, physical examination,
urine and blood examinations were the method for data collection.
Results: Overall prevalence of self-reported hearing loss among the pensioners was, 4.1%. Pensioners below 65years of age had a prevalence of 3.6% (95% CI, 2.7 – 4.5) whiles those above 80 years of age had an overall prevalence of 5.6% (95% CI, 1.5 – 9.6). Also, 14
pensioners per 10,000 pensioners in Ghana use hearing aids whereas 31 pensioners per 1000 reporting hearing loss, use hearing aid. The following factors were found to be associated with hearing loss; raised urine nitrates (AOR 2.3, 95% CI, 1.1 – 5.0), history of allergies (OR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2 – 2.8), history of chronic bodily pain (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.3 – 2.4), use of eyeglasses (OR 1.8, 95% CI, 1.3 – 2.6) current alcohol intake (OR 1.5, 95% CI, 1.0 – 2.2) underweight (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.0 – 2.9)
Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported hearing loss is low in Ghana compared to its regional and global estimates. The uptake of hearing aid use among pensioners in Ghana is very low.