Volume 29, Issue 2 (Iran South Med J 2026)
Iran South Med J 2026, 29(2): 115-122 |
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Saki N, Solaymani Dodaran M, Rahimi Z, Amini P, Cheraghian B. Hearing Health: The Overlooked Priority in Adult and Elderly Care. Iran South Med J 2026; 29 (2) :115-122
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2548-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2548-en.html
1- Hearing Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, England
4- Hearing Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran ,cheraghian-b@ajums.ac.ir
2- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, England
4- Hearing Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran ,
Abstract: (17 Views)
Background: Sensorineural hearing loss is a major public health concern among adults and older people, contributing to reduced quality of life, cognitive decline, social isolation, and increased healthcare costs. Despite its growing burden, Iran currently lacks a national adult hearing screening program.
Materials and Methods: This policy brief was developed through a review of relevant documents and secondary analysis of data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study in southwest Iran. A total of 1,365 adults aged 35–70 years were included. Associations between individual-, household-, and area-level socioeconomic factors and sensorineural hearing loss were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results: Among the participants, 485 individuals had sensorineural hearing loss. Older age, male sex, diabetes, noise exposure, and a family history of hearing loss were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of hearing loss. Conversely, higher educational attainment and better household economic status were associated with a lower risk. Hearing loss was more prevalent among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and residents of deprived areas.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that hearing loss is not only a clinical condition but also a social and equity issue. Delayed detection and failure to intervene in time may lead to increased disability, cognitive decline, social exclusion, and a greater burden on the healthcare system. Addressing hearing loss should therefore be considered an integral component of healthy ageing and non-communicable disease strategies in Iran.
Policy Recommendations:
-Designing targeted screening interventions for older age groups.
-Integrating hearing assessments into non-communicable disease (NCD) care programs.
-Strengthening preventive interventions in occupational health and reducing noise exposure.
-Designing hearing health education programs and increasing health literacy.
-Prioritizing low-income groups and strengthening equitable access to hearing services.
-Designing targeted prevention programs in high-risk workplaces.
Materials and Methods: This policy brief was developed through a review of relevant documents and secondary analysis of data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study in southwest Iran. A total of 1,365 adults aged 35–70 years were included. Associations between individual-, household-, and area-level socioeconomic factors and sensorineural hearing loss were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results: Among the participants, 485 individuals had sensorineural hearing loss. Older age, male sex, diabetes, noise exposure, and a family history of hearing loss were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of hearing loss. Conversely, higher educational attainment and better household economic status were associated with a lower risk. Hearing loss was more prevalent among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and residents of deprived areas.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that hearing loss is not only a clinical condition but also a social and equity issue. Delayed detection and failure to intervene in time may lead to increased disability, cognitive decline, social exclusion, and a greater burden on the healthcare system. Addressing hearing loss should therefore be considered an integral component of healthy ageing and non-communicable disease strategies in Iran.
Policy Recommendations:
-Designing targeted screening interventions for older age groups.
-Integrating hearing assessments into non-communicable disease (NCD) care programs.
-Strengthening preventive interventions in occupational health and reducing noise exposure.
-Designing hearing health education programs and increasing health literacy.
-Prioritizing low-income groups and strengthening equitable access to hearing services.
-Designing targeted prevention programs in high-risk workplaces.
Original: Policy Brief |
Subject:
Otolaryngology
Received: 2025/12/14 | Accepted: 2026/05/5 | Published: 2026/07/29
Received: 2025/12/14 | Accepted: 2026/05/5 | Published: 2026/07/29
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