Hearing loss prevalence in the aging population: updated population-based audiometric data from the Rotterdam study

Objective: 

To provide updated estimates of age-related hearing loss in the Dutch population, focusing on older age groups, and to explore implications for hearing rehabilitation including cochlear implant candidacy. 

Design: 

Population-based, prospective cohort study. 

Study Sample: 

Data from the Rotterdam Study, collected between 2011 and July 2024, including 7,772 unscreened participants aged 40 years and older. 

Results: 

Hearing loss greater than 35 dBHL (pure-tone average at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in the better ear) was observed in 31% of men and 30% of women aged ≥65 years. Among adults aged ≥80 years, 62% of men and 57% of women met this criterion. Different audiological criteria for cochlear implant candidacy were assessed to estimate potential growth in this candidate population. Among adults aged ≥80 years, the proportion meeting cochlear implant criteria may increase up to a tenfold (from 0.7% to 7.0%), depending on the definition applied.

Conclusions: 

This study highlights the need to address age-related hearing loss as a growing public health challenge. With ongoing population ageing, the demand for hearing rehabilitation, including cochlear implants, is expected to rise. Timely identification, referral, and innovative care models are essential to meet the increasing needs of older adults with hearing loss.