Hearing Health Survey of Population in Bangkok

Abstract

Abstract This cross-sectional random survey among Thai adults living in Bangkok aimed to identify the prevalence of hearing problems and study their relationship with personal factors. The questionnaire was interviewed. The air conduction pure-tone threshold audiometry was performed. A total of 2,463 participants (1,728 females) aged 15–96 years were included. The prevalence of hearing loss (HL) was 53.02% and increased with age. The prevalence of moderate or greater degree hearing impairment (HI) was 2.8%. The people aged 65 years and over had HL and HI more than younger people at 8.56 and 6.79 times, respectively. Males were two times more likely to have HL and HI than females. People with higher education had less chance of HL and HI than those without education or elementary level. People who ever worked in loud noises for >8 hrs. /day had HL 1.56 times more than those who never. An inconsistent correlation was found between HL, HI, and three NCDs. Although the majority of the volunteers had mild HL, it is crucial that they should be appropriately taken care of and monitored in order to prevent further loss. The questionnaire-based survey found only people with hearing problems that affect daily communication.