Current Estimates of the Economic Burden of Hearing Loss in India: A Societal Cost-of-Illness Study
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Introduction
Hearing loss (HL) affects over 1·5 billion people globally and India shares a disproportionately high burden including Disabling Hearing Loss (DHL). HL affects an Individual socio-economically, but there are limited studies on the broader societal economic consequences of HL in India.
Methods
Using Cost-of-Illness (COI) approach, we studied the societal economic burden of HL in India. This study uses epidemiological and macroeconomic data and modelling to estimate the loss of Gross National Income (GNI) due to HL and DHL across three economic pathways. Uncertainty is evaluated using deterministic and Probabilistic Sensitivity Analyses (PSA).
Results
The model estimates that there are in India, 289 million and 85·9 million people with HL and DHL respectively. Direct Loss of GNI and Indirect Loss of GNI (Caregiver burden) are estimated as INR 4,648·4 billion (USD 55·6 billion) and INR 3,268 billion (USD 39 billion) respectively. The Loss of GNI due to Low Education amongst those with HL is estimated as INR 1,041·9 billion (USD 12·45 billion).
Discussion
Economic burden of HL is presented across three pathways with Direct Loss of GNI due to DHL being the greatest. It also presents age stratified caregiver economic burden. The findings of the study help in estimating similar cost pathways, advocacy, and policy decisions towards reducing HL prevalence in India and LMICs. This study also highlights the need for India specific estimations related to the HL attributable low education, state-wise disaggregates, and prevalence studies. Funding This study has not received any funding.
