PREDICTIVE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR EARLY DETECTION OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN ADULTS: ORGANIZATIONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Hearing impairment is one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide and represents a significant medical, social, and economic challenge. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people experience some degree of hearing loss, and this number is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades due to population aging and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. Untreated hearing impairment is associated with communication difficulties, reduced quality of life, social isolation, cognitive decline, depression, and decreased work productivity.