Self-Reported Hearing in the Last 2 Years of Life in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and correlates of self-reported hearing loss during the last 2 years of life.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal nationally representative cohort of adults aged 50 and older (2000-13).

Participants

Older adults (N = 5,895, mean age at death 78, 53% female, 20% nonwhite).

Measurements

The HRS interview closest to death was used (mean 12.2 months before death). Participants rated their hearing (excellent, very good, good, fair, poor) and indicated whether they used hearing aids. The prevalence and correlates of fair and poor ratings are described, adjusted for age and sex.

Results

Thirty-two percent (95% confidence interval (CI) = 31-34%) of all partici

SUBMITTER: Smith AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4942375 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature