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Journal of Aging and Health
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Concurrent Hearing and Visual Impairment and Morbidity in Community-Residing Adults

The National Health Interview Survey, 1986 to 1996

David J. Lee

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, dlee{at}med.miami.edu

Byron L. Lam

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Orlando Gómez-Marín

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

D. Diane Zheng

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Alberto J. Caban

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Objective: To examine the association between the presence and severity of concurrent hearing and visual impairment (HI+VI) and morbidity. Methods: Data for adults 45 years and older were obtained from the National Health Interview Survey, 1986 to 1996 (n = 60,997). Covariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between HI+VI and five morbidity indicators: restricted activity days, bed rest days, doctor visits, hospitalizations and self-rated health. Results: Associations with morbidity indicators tended to be stronger in adults with HI+VI, and in particular, among adults with more severe HI+VI, relative to adults reporting no impairment. These associations were somewhat stronger in adults 45 to 64 years versus older adults. Discussion: HI+VI is associated with morbidity, although the strength of these associations varies across subgroups. Findings indicate that an increased focus on the provision of hearing and eye care services is required. Insurance coverage for these services should also be pursued by health policy makers.

Key Words: visual impairment • hearing impairment • morbidity

Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 17, No. 5, 531-546 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264305277956
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