The research revealed distinct differences in the prevalence of hearing loss and associated risk factors across sex and race groups. White males had the highest prevalence of hearing loss (60.7%), followed by White females (42.1%), Black males (33.6%), and Black females (29.2%). The study emphasized the importance of understanding these differences for tailored public health interventions. Older age, male sex, lower socioeconomic position, and noise exposure were associated with a higher risk of hearing loss, with factors differing between demographic groups. Audiometric patterns also varied across groups, suggesting the need for tailored interventions to reduce hearing loss risk across populations.

Source: JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery