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PreprintCC BYmedRxiv

Current Estimates of the Economic Burden of Hearing Loss in India: A Societal Cost-of-Illness Study

  • S. Mannava
  • V. Ramkumar1
  • G. Murthy
  1. 1Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University)
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Abstract

IntroductionHearing loss (HL) affects over 1{middle dot}5 billion people globally and India shares a disproportionately high burden including Disabling Hearing Loss (DHL). HL affects an Individual socio-economically, but there are limited studies on the broader societal economic consequences of HL in India.

MethodsUsing Cost-of-Illness (COI) approach, we studied the societal economic burden of HL in India. This study uses epidemiological and macroeconomic data and modelling to estimate the loss of Gross National Income (GNI) due to HL and DHL across three economic pathways. Uncertainty is evaluated using deterministic and Probabilistic Sensitivity Analyses (PSA).

ResultsThe model estimates that there are in India, 289 million and 85{middle dot}9 million people with HL and DHL respectively. Direct Loss of GNI and Indirect Loss of GNI (Caregiver burden) are estimated as INR 4,648{middle dot}4 billion (USD 55{middle dot}6 billion) and INR 3,268 billion (USD 39 billion) respectively. The Loss of GNI due to Low Education amongst those with HL is estimated as INR 1,041{middle dot}9 billion (USD 12{middle dot}45 billion).

DiscussionEconomic burden of HL is presented across three pathways with Direct Loss of GNI due to DHL being the greatest. It also presents age stratified caregiver economic burden. The findings of the study help in estimating similar cost pathways, advocacy, and policy decisions towards reducing HL prevalence in India and LMICs. This study also highlights the need for India specific estimations related to the HL attributable low education, state-wise disaggregates, and prevalence studies. Funding This study has not received any funding.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@misc{mannava2026current,
  title = {{Current Estimates of the Economic Burden of Hearing Loss in India: A Societal Cost-of-Illness Study}},
  author = {S. Mannava and V. Ramkumar and G. Murthy},
  howpublished = {medRxiv},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.64898/2026.09.01.26361987},
  url = {https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.01.26361987v1},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - UNPB
TI  - Current Estimates of the Economic Burden of Hearing Loss in India: A Societal Cost-of-Illness Study
AU  - S. Mannava
AU  - V. Ramkumar
AU  - G. Murthy
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/01
PB  - medRxiv
DO  - 10.64898/2026.09.01.26361987
UR  - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.01.26361987v1
AB  - IntroductionHearing loss (HL) affects over 1{middle dot}5 billion people globally and India shares a disproportionately high burden including Disabling Hearing Loss (DHL). HL affects an Individual socio-economically, but there are limited studies on the broader societal economic consequences of HL in India.  MethodsUsing Cost-of-Illness (COI) approach, we studied the societal economic burden of HL in India. This study uses epidemiological and macroeconomic data and modelling to estimate the loss of Gross National Income (GNI) due to HL and DHL across three economic pathways. Uncertainty is evaluated using deterministic and Probabilistic Sensitivity Analyses (PSA).  ResultsThe model estimates that there are in India, 289 million and 85{middle dot}9 million people with HL and DHL respectively. Direct Loss of GNI and Indirect Loss of GNI (Caregiver burden) are estimated as INR 4,648{middle dot}4 billion (USD 55{middle dot}6 billion) and INR 3,268 billion (USD 39 billion) respectively. The Loss of GNI due to Low Education amongst those with HL is estimated as INR 1,041{middle dot}9 billion (USD 12{middle dot}45 billion).  DiscussionEconomic burden of HL is presented across three pathways with Direct Loss of GNI due to DHL being the greatest. It also presents age stratified caregiver economic burden. The findings of the study help in estimating similar cost pathways, advocacy, and policy decisions towards reducing HL prevalence in India and LMICs. This study also highlights the need for India specific estimations related to the HL attributable low education, state-wise disaggregates, and prevalence studies. Funding This study has not received any funding.
ER  -