Prevalence of Age-Related Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Related Factors in Elderly Patients Attending Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania

Purpose: Age-related sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), is a progressive, usually bilateral hearing loss that occurs in elderly. It is correctable using rehabilitative hearing devices, which can vastly improve the older person's quality of life. This study aimed to find out the prevalence and related factors of age-related sensorineural hearing loss among elderly patients in Tanzania. Methods: A total of 380 elderly patients who received Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) services at Muhimbili tertiary hospital were enrolled. Participants were screened for hearing loss and interviewed by the structured questionnaire followed by otoscopic examination and Pure tone Audiometry (PTA). Results: This study included 182(47.9%) males, and 198 (52.1%) females. The prevalence of SNHL was 27.6%, males were mostly affected 57(31.3%) p = 0.574. Bilateral SNHL was found 90 (85.7%) p = 0.026, and the severity of age-related SNHL was found to increase as age increases. Conclusion: Sensorineural hearing loss among the elderly was prevalent, mostly bilateral, and the severity increases with age. Confounding factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), cigarette smoking, and ototoxic medication may have contributed. Elderly should be screened for hearing loss especially on the individuals with other co-morbidities for early diagnosis and management in order to improve the quality of life of the elderly.