Survey of Sensory Impairment Indicators Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in Xinxing County

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Global Priority Sensory Impairment Indicators Among People Aged 65 Years and Older in Xinxing County

This cross-sectional population-based survey will be conducted among residents aged 65 years and older in Xinxing County, Yunfu, Guangdong Province, China. The study will use standardized eye examinations, visual acuity and refractive assessment, anterior segment examination, hearing screening and questionnaires to estimate effective refractive error coverage, effective cataract surgical coverage, effective hearing technology coverage, common eye disease status, and dual sensory impairment among older adults. The findings are intended to provide evidence for primary-level eye and hearing health services.

The study addresses visual impairment, hearing impairment, and dual sensory impairment among older adults in a county-level population. Participants will be recruited from older adults aged 65 years and above covered by the national basic public health service system in Xinxing County. A probability proportional to size cluster sampling method will be used, with village or residential committees as the sampling frame. Study procedures include distance and near visual acuity testing, assessment with habitual correction where applicable, pinhole testing when visual acuity is worse than 6/12, corresponding to decimal visual acuity less than 0.5, slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment, bilateral ear examination, hearing screening using the WHOears app, and relevant questionnaires. Data will be entered and managed electronically and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 65 years or older.
2. Voluntarily participates in the study and provides signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to cooperate with study-related examinations, including because of disability, communication barriers, or other reasons.
2. Has severe systemic disease that may affect study examinations or make participation potentially hazardous to health.
3. Considered by the investigator to be unsuitable for participation in the study.