The Epidemiology of Deafness

Abraham M Sheffield; Richard J H Smith

doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a033258

The Epidemiology of Deafness

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2019 Sep 3;9(9):a033258. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033258.

Authors

Abraham M Sheffield¹, Richard J H Smith^{2

3

4

5}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
² Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories (MORL), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
³ Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
⁴ Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
⁵ Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

Abstract

Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit worldwide. It affects ∼5% of the world population, impacts people of all ages, and exacts a significant personal and societal cost. This review presents epidemiological data on hearing loss. We discuss hereditary hearing loss, complex hearing loss with genetic and environmental factors, and hearing loss that is more clearly related to environment. We also discuss the disparity in hearing loss across the world, with more economically developed countries having overall lower rates of hearing loss compared with developing countries, and the opportunity to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this disorder.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Review

MeSH terms

Developed Countries
Developing Countries
Environment
Hearing Loss / classification
Hearing Loss / diagnosis
Hearing Loss / epidemiology*
Hearing Loss / therapy
Humans

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding