title: [Aging and self-reported hearing loss: a population-based study].
abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss among elderly people in São Paulo, Brazil, according to socio-demographic characteristics and to identify associated factors. Data were from the São Paulo Health Survey (ISA-Capital 2003), and the subgroup of elderly (n = 872) was analyzed. The χ(2) test was used to verify the association between self-reported hearing loss and socio-demographic characteristics. The statistical analyses used Poisson regression. Prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in the elderly was 11.2%, and was higher in men (PR = 1.86; 95%CI: 1.19-2.92). There was an important lack of knowledge among the elderly regarding the causes of their hearing loss (42.5%). Among the sample, 25.5% reported difficulties in leisure-time activities and 11.4% needed help in routine activities, while 63.3% required no assistance due to their impairment. The high prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in the elderly, especially in men, highlights the importance of this public health problem. Population aging is a new reality, placing increasing demands on healthcare professionals and government.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. kmpaiva@usp.br
authors.forename: Karina Mary de
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Paiva
authors.forename: Chester Luis Galvão
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Cesar
authors.forename: Maria Cecília Goi Porto
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.forename: Luana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carandina
authors.forename: Moises
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goldbaum
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D004522:Educational Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors