The Global Burden of Hearing Loss and Its Comorbidity with Chronic Diseases: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1990 to 2021

Background : Hearing loss is a major public health challenge among aging populations and frequently coexists with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and depression. Despite its rising global prevalence, few studies have explored its comorbidity patterns and broader implications across regions and age groups. Objective : To quantify the burden of hearing loss and its comorbidity with selected chronic diseases globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2021 among adults aged 45+, using healthy aging and multimorbidity frameworks. Methods : GBD 2021 data were used to examine trends in Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Age-, sex-, and region-stratified rates were analyzed to compare disease burden and trends. Results : The burden of hearing loss rose markedly over 32 years, especially among those aged 65+. Co-occurrence with depression, cardiovascular disease, and stroke was substantial, with regional and gender disparities. Conclusion : Hearing loss is a key contributor to multimorbidity and a neglected public health priority. Integrating hearing care into chronic disease management and healthy aging strategies is essential for policy and practice.