Life expectancy with hearing loss: estimates for Brazil

ABSTRACT

Purpose

to analyze the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in relation to age, gender and regions of Brazil and to estimate life expectancy with hearing loss in Brazil, at birth and at age 60, for both sexes.

Methods

the Sullivan method was used, combining the life table and the prevalence of hearing loss in the period, as well as the adoption of data from the 2013 National Health Survey and Complete Life Tables, by sex, published by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.

Results

in Brazil, in 2013, the prevalence of hearing loss gradually increased from the age of 60, in both genders, with males being more affected by hearing loss. Life expectancy at birth was 71.2 years for men and 78.5 years for women. Of these years of life, 3.4% (for men) and 2.8% (for women) were with hearing loss. At age 60, this difference remains, with an expectation of another 19.9 years for men and 21.7 years for women. In this age group, men had a rate of 2.2 years (11.3%) with hearing loss, while for women the rate was 2.1 years (9.7%).

Conclusion

in Brazil, based on data from 2013, there was a gradual increase in the prevalence of hearing loss from the age of 60 for both genders. Women had higher life expectancy, greater life expectancy free of hearing loss and live a smaller portion of their lives with hearing loss than men, regardless of age. The assessment of life expectancy with hearing loss at birth and at age 60 can help to understand the needs of the population, which allows for better planning of public policies related to the hearing health of individuals.

Keywords:
Life expectancy; Hearing; Hearing loss; Hearing disorders; Quality-adjusted life expectancy