A cross-sectional assessment of the prevalence and predictors of sensorineural hearing loss among geriatric population of rural communities of West Bengal, India

Abstract Background: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), commonly known as presbycusis, is a common condition in older adults, affecting their quality of life. In India, the geriatric population is growing, yet research focusing on the prevalence of ARHL in this population remains limited. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of ARHL and its associated risk factors among geriatric patients of rural communities of Jalpaiguri district in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted at three tea gardens of Jalpaiguri, India, over 12 months. The study included 269 geriatric patients (aged ≥ 65 years). Patients were assessed for hearing loss using physical examination, tuning fork tests, and pure tone audiometry. Sociodemographic data and comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors that are associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Results: Of the 269 participants, 68.4% had SNHL, with varying degrees of severity: 14.2% mild, 26.6% moderate, 32.6% moderately severe, 20.1% severe, and 6.5% profound hearing loss. Advancing age was significantly associated with SNHL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.036, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.019–1.308, P = 0.024). Age and diabetes were also significant predictors of severe SNHL (AOR 4.221, 95% CI 2.116–6.972, P = 0.002; AOR 2.466, 95% CI 1.244–4.890, P = 0.010, respectively). Gender, body mass index, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were not significantly associated with SNHL. Conclusion: This study findings show a high prevalence of ARHL among geriatric patients residing in rural communities of Eastern India, with advancing age and diabetes being significant predictors of the severity of hearing loss.