Any sensory limitation can impose costs on individuals, families, and institutions. We present estimates derived from a new study of economic costs associated with developmental disabilities for one sensory limitation, hearing loss. These estimates follow the standard 'cost-of-illness' approach to calculation of direct costs of medical care, therapy, and special education, as well as the indirect costs of lost production. Data come from the National Health Interview Survey on Disability, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, National Medical Expenditure Survey, and Survey on Income and Program Participation, as well as the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program. Using a discount rate of 3%, lifetime costs for an individual with early childhood-onset hearing loss are conservatively estimated to total over $275,000. The largest component consists of the lost value of production from individuals who are either unable to work or are limited in the work they can perform. These estimates call attention to the societal cost of barriers to economic participation by people with disabilities. These estimates can also be used to define an upper bound for potential averted costs that can result from early detection and intervention for children with hearing loss.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify four types of economic costs of disabilities. 2. Evaluate the usefulness of dollar cost estimates for specific public health purposes. 3. Describe the potential economic benefits from early hearing detection and intervention
Keywords: Economic Analysis, Deaf
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Research Triangle Institute
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.