Burden and causes of hearing loss among different genders and ages in China: a secondary analysis of the 2019 global burden of disease study

Reliable national assessments of hearing loss are essential for evaluating their burden and developing public health policies. However, a comprehensive analysis specific to China has been lacking. Therefore, to estimate the burden of hearing loss in China, we described the national hearing loss burden by severity, cause, gender, and age in 2019.

This study conducted a secondary analysis using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We provided national prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) counts by gender and age group, as well as the prevalence, crude rates, and age-standardized rates (ASRs) per 100,000 people for hearing loss of various severities and cause-specific hearing loss, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).

In 2019, the prevalence of hearing loss in China was 426.5 million, and YLDs were 11.1 million. The total ASRs and total YLDs for all types of hearing loss per 100,000 people were 22,612 cases and 617.9, respectively. The burden of mild hearing loss was the most significant, followed by moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound hearing loss. Age-related and other hearing loss were the primary causes of hearing loss, while otitis media was the secondary cause for mild and moderate hearing loss, and congenital defects were the secondary cause for more severe hearing loss. Individuals over 50 years of age experienced the highest prevalence of hearing loss, with peak prevalence in the 65–69 age group.

Hearing loss presents a significant public health challenge in China. Although the causes of hearing loss are correlated with the severity of hearing impairment, age-related hearing loss can be mitigated through early prevention. Coordinated efforts are necessary at various levels to address this public health challenge.