Background: Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent condition among older adults, and it strongly affects the physical and mental health of an individual. Despite these effects, a major part of the older patients remains not assessed or inefficiently treated for hearing loss. The aim of this study was to identify the types and major causes of hearing loss among adults in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey study was carried out involving 100 individuals. Self-administered questioners were employed and completed by the study subjects. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: demographic information (name, age, gender, and occupation) and information regarding the hearing loss (type, site, and level of hearing loss, the effect on participant's life, symptoms, signs, and the most probable causes). Results: Approximately two-thirds (69%) of the participants had unilateral hearing loss, mainly on the right side (43%). The conductive type of hearing loss was identified in 46% of participants, while sensory neural and mixed disorders were detected in 45% and 9%, respectively. There was a significant association between age, sex, past history of ear infection, trauma, exposure to noise, the presence of hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis and hearing loss. Most of the study subjects who had bilateral or mixed hearing loss reported adverse effects affecting their daily life. Conclusion: This study calls for the implementation of preventive and protective measures, such as educational campaigns, to enhance individualsÂ’ health motivation addressing their hearing loss, avoiding exposure to risk factors, and seeking proper medical care.
Key words: Hearing loss, quality of life, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
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