Epidemiological Distribution Of Prevalence And Various Influence Factors Of Hearing Impairment Among Middle-aged And Elderly People In The Qingdao Rural Population

Objective:The major purposes of the study are to determine the epidemiological distribution of prevalence, to analysis the related factors of hearing impairment among the Qingdao rural population, and to provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of the hearing impairment.Methods:2137 residents aged between 50 and 74 years were randomly selected in rural areas (Huangdao, Jiaonan, Jimo) of Qingdao.902 male (42.2%) and 1235 Female (57.8%) were interviewed and examined. All of them were tested with binaural hearing, respectively at 0.5 kHz,1 kHz,2 kHz, and 4 kHz. The level of 4 kHz. average hearing threshold from ear with better audition was chosen as dependent variable. Demographic characteristics, life style and biochemical indicators were chosen as independent variables.12 hours fasting blood glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol were also measured. T test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, Logistic and multiple stepwise regression analysis were performed to analyze the influencing factors on hearing impairment by software SPSS 16.0.Result:Among middle-aged and elderly people, the prevalence of hearing impairment was 50.6%(the standardized rate was 48.4%), the prevalence of hearing disability was 12.7%(the standardized rate was 12.0%). The single factor analysis showed that age, sex, education and income were related to the average hearing threshold, while age, sex, education, current smokers, current drinks, cholesterol and triglyceride were related to the average hearing threshold at 4 kHz. The regression analysis showed that being male, older age, current smokers, current drinks, higher level of cholesterol and triglyceride in blood were the common risk factors for hearing impairment, whereas higher income and higher education was a protective factor. Conclusion:The prevalence rate of hearing impairment in Qingdao rural areas was high, and also related to many factors. Therefore, the government and the whole society should pay more attention to the hearing impairment. to develop and implement scientific strategies for prevention and rehabilitation actively.