Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 19-27.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2025.510

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Changes in the disease burden of hearing loss in China from 1990 to 2023 and attributable analysis of occupational noise exposure: Based on GBD 2023 data

GUO Heling1, ZHOU En2, PENG Zhengjia1, LIANG Fenfeng1, QIN Nian1   

  1. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan 411100, Hunan, China2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
  • Published:2026-07-10

PDF (PC)

9

Abstract: Objective The objective of this study is to analyse temporal trends in the burden of hearing loss in China from 1990 to 2023 using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. The study will examine sex- and age-specific patterns, the contribution of occupational noise exposure, and future burden trends. Methods The data set encompasses prevalent cases, disability-adjusted life years(DALYs), age-standardised prevalence rate(ASPR), and age-standardised DALY rate(ASDR)of hearing loss in China from 1990 to 2023. The temporal trends under scrutiny were assessed by the estimation of the annual percentage change(EAPC), a process facilitated by log-linear regression models. The utilisation of an autoregressive integrated moving average(ARIMA)model was instrumental in the projection of ASPR and ASDR from 2024 to 2043. The proportion of DALYs attributable to occupational noise exposure was also analysed. Results In 2023, China had 484 million prevalent cases of hearing loss and 14.13 million DALYs. From 1990 to 2023, prevalent cases and DALYs increased by 148.3% and 135%, respectively. The ASPR demonstrated a marked upward trajectory ［EAPC=0.20%, 95%CI(0.15%, 0.24%)］, while the ASDR exhibited no substantial alteration. The findings of this study demonstrate that both ASPR and ASDR were higher in males than in females. Furthermore, the burden increased with age, particularly among individuals aged 50-74 years. Projections indicate that ASPR will undergo an upward trajectory from 2024 to 2043, while ASDR is expected to remain stable or exhibit a modest decline. In 2023, approximately 21.6% of DALYs were attributable to occupational noise exposure. Conclusion The prevalence of hearing impairment in China exhibited an upward trend from 1990 to 2023. The male population and individuals within the 50-74 age bracket are subject to a greater burden. The phenomenon under scrutiny has been hypothesised to be the result of population growth, ageing, and occupational noise exposure.The enhancement of early screening and occupational noise control measures has the potential to mitigate the future burden of hearing loss.

Key words: Hearing loss, Prevalent cases, Disability, Disease trends

CLC Number: 

  • R764
[1] Chadha S, Kamenov K, Cieza A. The world report on hearing, 2021[J]. Bull World Health Organ, 2021, 99(4): 242-242A. DOI:10.2471/blt.21.285643
[2] Teraoka M, Hato N, Inufusa H, et al. Role of oxidative stress in sensorineural hearing loss[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2024, 25(8): 4146. DOI:10.3390/ijms25084146
[3] Haile LM, Kamenov K, Briant PS, et al. Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990-2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019[J]. Lancet, 2021, 397(10278): 996-1009. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00516-X
[4] Moeller MP. Early intervention and language development in children who are deaf and hard of hearing[J]. Pediatrics, 2000, 106(3): E43. DOI:10.1542/peds.106.3.e43
[5] Tomblin JB, Harrison M, Ambrose SE, et al. Language outcomes in young children with mild to severe hearing loss[J]. Ear Hear, 2015, 36(01): 76S-91S. DOI:10.1097/AUD.0000000000000219
[6] Stevenson J, Kreppner J, Pimperton H, et al. Emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents with hearing impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 2015, 24(5): 477-496. DOI:10.1007/s00787-015-0697-1
[7] Bougeard C, Picarel-Blanchot F, Schmid R, et al. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and co-morbidities in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review[J]. Front Psychiatry, 2021, 12: 744709. DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.744709
[8] Nieman CL, Oh ES. Hearing loss[J]. Ann Intern Med, 2020, 173(11): ITC81-ITC96. DOI:10.7326/AITC202012010
[9] Lin FR, Yaffe K, Xia J, et al. Hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults[J]. JAMA Intern Med, 2013, 173(4): 293-299. DOI:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.1868
[10] Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission[J]. Lancet, 2020, 396(10248): 413-446. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
[11] Lin FR, Metter EJ, O'Brien RJ, et al. Hearing loss and incident dementia[J]. Arch Neurol, 2011, 68(2): 214-220. DOI:10.1001/archneurol.2010.362
[12] Lin FR, Albert M. Hearing loss and dementia-who is listening?[J]. Aging Ment Health, 2014, 18(6): 671-673. DOI:10.1080/13607863.2014.915924
[13] Uchida Y, Sugiura S, Nishita Y, et al. Age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline: The potential mechanisms linking the two[J]. Auris Nasus Larynx, 2019, 46(1): 1-9. DOI:10.1016/j.anl.2018.08.010
[14] 刘博, 傅新星. 重视老年听力损失的研究 强化主动健康工作的推进[J]. 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科, 2023, 30(4): 205-207. DOI:10.16066/j.1672-7002.2023.04.001
[15] 李欣欣, 柳安琪, 王丹, 等. 2020年中国工业企业接触噪声劳动者听力损失流行病学特征分析[J]. 中华疾病控制杂志, 2022, 26(8): 882-887.DOI:10.16462/j.cnki.zhjbkz.2022.08.003
[16] Ye X, He P. Direct costs attributable to hearing loss in China: based on an econometric model[J]. Ear Hear, 2023, 44(2): 330-337. DOI:10.1097/AUD.0000000000001284
[17] 阿娜尔古丽·阿不都肉什提, 宋迎豪, 闫晓晋, 等. 1990—2021年中国及全球增龄性听力损失的疾病负担与未来趋势预测[J]. 北京大学学报(医学版), 2025, 57(3): 545-553. DOI:10.19723/j.issn.1671-167X.2025.03.019
[18] GBD 2023 Causes of Death Collaborators. Global burden of 292 causes of death in 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023[J]. Lancet, 2025, 406(10513): 1811-1872. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01917-8
[19] GBD 2023 Disease and Injury and Risk Factor Collaborators. Burden of 375 diseases and injuries, risk-attributable burden of 88 risk factors, and healthy life expectancy in 204 countries and territories, including 660 subnational locations, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023[J]. Lancet, 2025, 406(10513): 1873-1922. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01637-X
[20] Zhou TJ, Huang WJ, Wang XT, et al. Global burden of head and neck cancers from 1990 to 2019[J]. iScience, 2024, 27(3): 109282.DOI:10.1016/j.isci.2024.109282
[21] Huang YD, Lin WY, Chen XY, et al. Analyzing and forecasting global cervical cancer burden based on WHO's elimination strategy: insights and projections from a 1990-2021 global burden of disease(GBD)study covering 204 countries and territories[J]. J Adv Res, 2025: S2090-S1232(25)00742-8. DOI:10.1016/j.jare.2025.09.038
[22] Agrawal Y, Platz EA, Niparko JK. Prevalence of hearing loss and differences by demographic characteristics among US adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004[J]. Arch Intern Med, 2008, 168(14): 1522-1530.DOI:10.1001/archinte.168.14.1522
[23] Hoffman HJ, Dobie RA, Losonczy KG, et al. Declining prevalence of hearing loss in US adults aged 20 to 69 years[J]. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2017, 143(3): 274-285. DOI:10.1001/jamaoto.2016.3527
[24] Hultcrantz M, Simonoska R, Stenberg AE. Estrogen and hearing: a summary of recent investigations[J]. Acta Otolaryngol, 2006, 126(1): 10-14. DOI:10.1080/00016480510038617
[25] König O, Rüttiger L, Müller M, et al. Estrogen and the inner ear: megalin knockout mice suffer progressive hearing loss[J]. FASEB J, 2008, 22(2): 410-417. DOI:10.1096/fj.07-9171com
[26] Frisina RD, Bazard P, Bauer M, et al. Translational implications of the interactions between hormones and age-related hearing loss[J]. Hear Res, 2021, 402: 108093. DOI:10.1016/j.heares.2020.108093
[27] O'Rourke D, Brown GD. Experiments in transforming the global workplace: incentives for and impediments to improving workplace conditions in China[J]. Int J Occup Environ Health, 2003, 9(4): 378-385. DOI:10.1179/oeh.2003.9.4.378
[28] Chadha S, Kamenov K, Cieza A. The world report on hearing, 2021[J]. Bull World Heal Organ, 2021, 99(4): 242-242A. DOI:10.2471/blt.21.285643
[29] Wilson BS, Tucci DL, Merson MH, et al. Global hearing health care: new findings and perspectives[J]. Lancet, 2017, 390(10111): 2503-2515. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31073-5
[30] Smith AW. The World Health Organisation and the prevention of deafness and hearing impairment caused by noise[J]. Noise Health, 1998, 1(1): 6-12
[31] Le Prell CG, Dolan DF, Schacht J, et al. Pathways for protection from noise induced hearing loss[J]. Noise Health, 2003, 5(20): 1-17
[32] Basner M, Babisch W, Davis A, et al. Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health[J]. Lancet, 2014, 383(9925): 1325-1332. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61613-X
[33] Bandyopadhyay A, Mukherjee A, Dhar G, et al. Burden and risk factors of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among employees working at an international airport in eastern India[J]. Indian J Occup Environ Med, 2024, 28(3): 223-227. DOI:10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_163_23
[34] Wang SR, Liu SH, Li KJ, et al. A systematic analysis of the burden of disease attributable to occupational noise-induced hearing loss in China based on the 2019 global burden of disease study[J]. BMC Public Health, 2024, 24(1): 3423. DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-21094-4
[35] Sun YH, Yi Y, Huang GY, et al. Temporal trends in prevalence and years of life lived with disability for hearing loss in China from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021[J]. Front Public Health, 2025, 13: 1538145. DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1538145
[36] Zheng HL, Wong LLN, Hickson L. Barriers to hearing aid adoption among older adults in mainland China[J]. Int J Audiol, 2023, 62(9): 814-825. DOI:10.1080/14992027.2022.2105263
[37] 张婷, 毛彦文, 黄巧宇, 等. 中国年龄相关性和其他听力损失疾病负担分析及趋势预测[J]. 现代预防医学, 2025, 52(24): 4450-4456. DOI:10.20043/j.cnki.MPM.202508013
[38] Naimoli A. Modelling the persistence of Covid-19 positivity rate in Italy[J]. Socioecon Plann Sci, 2022, 82: 101225. DOI:10.1016/j.seps.2022.101225
[39] Alabdulrazzaq H, Alenezi MN, Rawajfih Y, et al. On the accuracy of ARIMA based prediction of COVID-19 spread[J]. Results Phys, 2021, 27: 104509. DOI:10.1016/j.rinp.2021.104509
[40] Adeyinka DA, Muhajarine N. Time series prediction of under-five mortality rates for Nigeria: comparative analysis of artificial neural networks, Holt-Winters exponential smoothing and autoregressive integrated moving average models[J]. BMC Med Res Methodol, 2020, 20(1): 292. DOI:10.1186/s12874-020-01159-9
[1] HOU Zhenxing, LUO Jingjing, WANG Nan, LI Ao, GAO Xia. Baicalein attenuates Cisplatin-induced cochlear hair cell damage: an invitro study [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2026, 40(4): 1-9.
[2] TANG Na, HUANG Guanjiang, LIN Xiaoxue, LIN Yushan, LI Lingjuan, LU Biaoqing. A bibliometric and visualization analysis of traditional Chinese medicine for sudden sensorineural hearing loss based on CiteSpacee [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2026, 40(4): 10-18.
[3] WANG Min, LIU Hao, JIANG Luhan, TAN Liyue, LI Wen, FU Xiaolong. Packaging of AAV-ie-Tnfaip8l2 and its effect on improving auditory function in Tnfaip8l2-/- mice [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2026, 40(3): 7-15.
[4] WANG Menghui, LI Ao, WEI Hao, JIANG Yue, WU Xingguang, LI Luxi, QIAN Xiaoyun. Multiple mechanisms and clinical warning signs of deafness caused by hepatitis B virus [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2026, 40(3): 110-114.
[5] WANG Kaijian, WANG Wei, CHEN Xuesheng, FAN Chunsun, HE Yingying, HUANG Dongling, QIAN Cunhui, DING Shujun. Correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with hearing loss and audiometric thresholds in adults: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2026, 40(2): 18-28.
[6] TAO Duoduo, SHI Bin, ZHAO Yunshu, LI Yonggang, LIU Jisheng. Preliminary study on neurotransmitter levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and their relationship with hearing levels in patients with age-related hearing loss [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(6): 31-39.
[7] ZHENG Zehao, WEI Jiali, LIU Jiatao, ZHOU Yuqi, SUN Wenting, LI Yuxuan, BAI Peng. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of site-specific acupuncture for the treatment of sudden hearing loss: a systematic review and network Meta-analysis [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(4): 114-127.
[8] LI Jie, SU Weina, LIN Qian, ZHANG Qishu, HOU Cheng, YANG Zhenjiao, XIANG Lili. Genetic analysis of MARVELD2 gene variants in two deafness cases [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(4): 128-134.
[9] DONG Lingkang, YU Dongzhen. Trends and projections of the burden of age-related hearing loss in China from 1990 to 2021 [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(3): 61-69.
[10] ZHANG Lixia, LI Lin. Research on screening the key genes of age-related hearing loss by GEO database [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(3): 104-114.
[11] LIN Yushan, LU Biaoqing. Personalized use of batroxobin in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with full frequency decline [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(3): 115-121.
[12] WANG Xin, YUAN Jingjing, HAO Pengpeng, YAN Zhanfeng, LIU Jianhua, ZHONG Liqun, LIU Siming, WU Wei, ZHAO Xiaoyang, ZHANG Ying. Protective effect of Chinese herbal medicine on sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective analysis and network pharmacology [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(2): 6-17.
[13] PAN Jiayu, ZHANG Chunlin. Research advances on the etiology and pathogenesis of acute low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(2): 126-131.
[14] GUO Xiang, MA Yongqiang, YI Haijin. Current status and advances in magnetic resonance imaging in sudden deafness [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(2): 140-144.
[15] CHEN Danping, HE Zijian, YU Youjun, ZHOU Xiaowei. Analysis of the efficacy and prognostic factors of hospitalized cases of children with sudden sensorineural hearing loss for ten years [J]. Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University, 2025, 39(1): 16-22.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] LIN Bin,WANGHui-ge . Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS[J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(6): 481 -487 .
[2] . [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(1): 84 -87 .
[3] . [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(2): 116 -118 .
[4] ZHOU Zi-ning,JIN Guo-wei . [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(5): 462 -465 .
[5] GONG Lei,SUN Jie,XUE Zi-chao,LI Jing-hua,XUE Wei-guo . DNA analysis of the cell cycle in sino-nasal neoplasm[J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2008, 22(3): 193 -195 .
[6] CHEN Wen-wen . [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(5): 472 -472 .
[7] ZHOU Bin,LI Bin . Endoscopic sinus surgery for 75 patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps[J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(1): 24 -26 .
[8] YANG Changliang,HUANG Zhiwu,YAO Hangqi,ZHU Yong,SNU Yi . Study on auditory brainstem response[J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(1): 9 -13 .
[9] . [J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(1): 89 -89 .
[10] LUAN Jiangang,LIANG Chuanyu,WEN Yanjun,LI Jiong . Construction of RNAi expressing plasmid vector of pSIRENshuttle for EGFR gene silencing[J]. JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY (OTOLARYNGOLOGY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY), 2006, 20(1): 4 -8 .
Website Copyright: Editorial Office of Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University
Address: No.27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, Shandong, China. Post code: 250100 Tel: +86-0531-88366912 Email: ebhxb@sdu.edu.cn Supported by Beijing Magtech Co.Ltd