Declining and fluctuating prevalence values of hearing impairment in 18-year old Swedish men during three decades

The most important observation was a decrease of HFHI 35-40 dB HL by 52% percent and of HFHI ≥45 dB HL by 71% between the years 1971 and 2004. The prevalence of HFHI 25-30 dB HL in young Swedish males fluctuated over a period of 33 years. Possible reasons for these trends and variations are discussed.