Cost-Effectiveness of Hearing Screening in Older Adults: A Scoping Review. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hsu, Amber K.; Bassett, Sarah M.; O'Dwyer, Linda C.; McHugh, Megan; Heinemann, Allen W.; Jordan, Neil; Dhar, Sumitrajit
• Is Part Of: Research on aging. Volume 44:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: hearing loss -- hearing screening -- cost -- economic evaluation; Old age -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1177/01640275211008583
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0164-0275

Abstract

Objectives: Age is the most common predictor of hearing loss; however, many older adults are not screened. Hearing screening could improve healthcare access, participation, and outcomes. Establishing whether hearing screening in older adults is cost-effective could improve the availability and utilization of screening. Methods: We searched nine databases in January 2020. Studies with populations aged 50+ and provided data on the cost-effectiveness of hearing screening were included in the review. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria and all found hearing screening programs to be cost-effective compared to no hearing screening, regardless of screening method (i.e., instrument or strategy). The maximum number of repeated screenings, coupled with younger ages, was most cost-effective. Discussion: This review suggests that hearing screening in older adults is cost-effective, however, the evidence is limited. There is pressing need for research focused on economic impacts of hearing healthcare in older adults to inform research, policy and practice.