Hearing loss and hearing needs in an adult homeless population: a prospective cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given that hearing loss is associated with increased social isolation, reduced earning potential and neurocognitive disease, findings of uncorrected hearing loss in the homeless population have important policy implications. We sought to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment in an adult homeless population.

Methods

We recruited adult (age ≥ 18 yr) homeless people across 10 homeless shelters in Toronto between April and June 2018 using a 2-stage sampling technique. Participants were interviewed by 1 interviewer using a modified survey that had been used in previous studies looking at other health needs in homeless populations. A comprehensive head and neck examination and audiometric evaluation were performed in each participant by an otolaryngologist and a

SUBMITTER: Noel CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7082104 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature