Hearing Loss Index and Aging-Based Forecasting

This study aims to forecast the impact and associated costs of hearing loss as the prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise due to population aging. Our results are the aging-based prediction of the hearing loss index, visualizing the regional concentration of hearing loss. We conduct the projections of time-series regression based on spatial aging up to the year 2030 to forecast the hearing loss and to measure the associated costs. Utilizing the RATS statistical package (Estima, Inc., Evanston, IL, USA), Korean data are analyzed. The hearing loss population is projected to increase from 480,862 in 2025 to 596,345 by 2030. The medical cost of hearing loss is approximately KRW 2.5,603 trillion in 2030 while the hearing loss dependency ratio increases to 1.75. Regionally, the highest concentrations of hearing loss in 2030 are predicted in Gyeongbuk (2.68), Daegu (2.29), and Jeonbuk (2.04). Amid accelerating low birth rates and aging, both the prevalence of hearing loss and the associated costs are increasing significantly. Regional impacts are asymmetrical.