Population prevalence of dual sensory loss in community-dwelling US adults 71 years and older: Evidence from the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Background: Existing estimates for the prevalence of dual sensory loss (vision and hearing) among older adults are either based on self-reported measures or aggregated for older age groups. Current and detailed estimates based on objective measures are needed for public health, clinical, and policy decision-making.

Methods: We estimated the prevalence of dual sensory loss (DSL) using National Health Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Round 11 data (2021). We restricted to community-dwelling adults aged ≥71 years with complete sensory testing data (N = 2579). Hearing loss was defined by a 4-frequency (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) pure tone average for the better-hearing ear (>25 decibel hearing level). Vision loss was defined by the presence of distance, near (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution >0.30), or contrast sensitivity loss (log contrast sensitivity <1.55). Participants were categorized into three groups: no sensory loss, single sensory loss (vision or hearing loss), and DSL (hearing and vision). Sensory loss prevalence was estimated by age group and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results: In weighted analyses, among older Medicare beneficiaries (53% female, 7% Black, 6% Hispanic), 28% had no sensory loss and 22% had DSL. Prevalence of DSL increased with age. Most adults aged ≥90 years experienced DSL (59%), as opposed to single (39%) or no sensory loss (2%). DSL prevalence was greater among older adults with low education attainment (34%) and household income (43%). A higher proportion of older adults with a college education (17%), or from wealthier households (16%), had no sensory loss.

Conclusions: One in 5 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥71 years have DSL, increasing to 3 in 5 for those aged ≥90 years. Prevalence is higher among older adults with low education attainment and from low-income households, characteristics associated with low treatment. Policies increasing access and affordability of vision and hearing care could benefit millions of older Americans experiencing sensory loss.