Epidemiology of Vision and Hearing Impairment in Older Community Dwelling Adults in New Zealand

This study provides an analysis of the epidemiology of vision/hearing impairments among frail older adults in New Zealand. Data of older adults assessed using standardised interRAI Home Care and Long-Term Care Facility instruments between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 underwent retrospective analyses of vision and hearing impairment. The use of vision and hearing examinations and aids is reported. We analysed 48,038 assessments comprising 65% females and a mean age of 82.2 (SD 8.4) years. Considering moderate difficulty or worse disability to have a meaningful impact on individuals, the prevalence was 19% for hearing and 10% for vision impairment. Dual sensory impairment as per the Deafblind Severity Index was present among 7% of our sample. Regular hearing examinations were undertaken by 31% of people living at home, dropping to 21% in care facilities, whereas regular vision testing decreased from 55% to 32% among those living in care facilities. Although 72% of the sample living in an aged residential care facility used visual aids, only 20% used hearing aids. The majority in this cohort (~80%) reported adequate vision and ability to hear or minimal impairment, and half the cohort experienced dual sensory impairment. Access to hearing and vision assessments was less among those in aged residential care compared with those receiving support at home, and examinations and aids to overcome hearing impairment were less frequently used than aids for visual impairment. Further research is required to understand the reasons behind these observations.