Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in a Rural Midwestern Cohort: Estimates from the Keokuk County Rural Health Study, 1994 to 1998

Abstract

Significant hearing impairment is common in rural populations. The high prevalence in this population is similar to that found in other population-based studies. Future studies are needed to examine (1) the risk factors for hearing impairment, (2) the natural course of hearing problems across the life span, and (3) the effect of programs for the prevention of hearing impairment and rehabilitation for persons with existing hearing impairments.