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Granberg S, Widén S, Gustafsson J. How to remain in working life with hearing loss - health factors for a sustainable work situation. Work 2024:WOR230377. [PMID: 38875067 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with hearing loss (HL) are a vulnerable group in working life. Studies have shown that they are more likely than the general population to be in part-time work, to be unemployed, receive disability pension, and to be on sick leave. Many workers with HL also experience unhealthy work conditions, such as jobs where they experience high demands combined with low control as well as safety concerns and social isolation. There is a lack of studies that focus on factors that promote a healthy, sustainable work situation for the target group. OBJECTIVE To investigate health factors that contribute to a sustainable work situation for employees with HL. METHODS The current study was a comparative, observational study with a cross-sectional design including a clinical population of adults with HL. Comparisons were made between workers with HL "in work" and workers with HL on "HL-related sick leave". RESULTS Seven health factors were identified. Those "in work" experienced a healthier work environment as well as lower levels of mental strain, hearing-related work characteristics and content, cognitively demanding work content, hearing-related symptoms, energy-demanding activities, and bodily aches and pain than those on "HL-related sick leave". CONCLUSION The results demonstrate a clear pattern regarding health factors for a sustainable working life. The type of job was not related to whether an individual was on sick leave or working. Rather, the work climate and the content of the work mattered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Granberg
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Stephen Widén
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Johanna Gustafsson
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden
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Gupta S, Jaiswal A, Sukhai M, Wittich W. Hearing disability and employment: a population-based analysis using the 2017 Canadian survey on disability. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 45:1836-1846. [PMID: 35609236 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2076938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of hearing disability on employment rates; examine how various factors are associated with employment; and identify workplace accommodations available to persons with hearing disabilities in Canada.Material and methods: A population-based analysis was done using the data collected through the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD), representing 6 million (n = 6 246 640) Canadians. A subset of the complete dataset was created focusing on individuals with a hearing disability (n = 1 334 520). Weighted descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: In 2017, the employment rates for working-age adults with a hearing disability were 55%. Excellent general health status (OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.29-4.96) and daily use of the internet (OR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.78-4.10) had the highest positive effect on the employment rates. The top three needed but least available accommodations were communication aids (16%), technical aids (19%), and accessible parking/elevator (21%).Conclusion: Employment rates for persons with a hearing disability are lower than the general population in Canada. Employment outcomes are closely associated with one's general health and digital skills. Lack of certain workplace accommodations may disadvantage individuals with a hearing disability in their employment.Implications for RehabilitationPeople with severe hearing disabilities and those with additional disabilities may need additional and more rigorous services and supports to achieve competitive employment.It is important for the government to improve efforts toward inclusive education and develop strategies that promote digital literacy for job seekers with hearing disabilities.Officials concerned with implementing employment equity policies in Canada should focus on finding strategies that enable employees to have supportive conversations with their employers regarding disability disclosure and obtaining required accommodations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Gupta
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Atul Jaiswal
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mahadeo Sukhai
- Canadian National Institutes for Blind (CNIB), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Walter Wittich
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Souza VC, Lemos SMA. Participation restriction of adults and elderly users of an audiology clinic: association with auditory and social-environmental factors. Codas 2021; 33:e20200212. [PMID: 34468631 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To verify the association between restrictions to auditory participation and quality of life, self-perceived health, auditory factors and sociodemographic aspects of adults and elderlies assisted in an audiology service. METHODS The study included 152 participants; restrictions to auditory participation were assessed using the instruments Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults - HHIA and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly - HHIE. In order to assess the quality of life, participants answered the World Health Organization Quality of Life - abbreviated version (WHOQOL-bref). Sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using a questionnaire to characterize the participants; and by the Brazilian Criteria ABEP. The results of the hearing assessment were also collected. Descriptive, bivariate statistical analyzes (p ≤ 0.20) and multiple logistic regression (p ≤ 0.05) were performed. RESULTS Regarding social class, individuals belonging to classes B1 and C2 had, respectively, 4.75 and 7.73 times greater chances of presenting restrictions to auditory participation compared to individuals of class D. Regarding hearing factors, disabling hearing loss increased by 3.4 times the chance of presenting perception of restriction to auditory participation. In the environmental domain of the WHOQOL-bref instrument, each unit increased in the score was associated with a decrease of 0.96 times in the chance of perceived restriction in auditory participation. CONCLUSION We found that the use of the amplifying hearing aid by itself, despite its benefits, did not eliminate the restrictions on auditory participation of most participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valquíria Conceição Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fonoaudiológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil
| | - Stela Maris Aguiar Lemos
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil
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Factors Associated With Self-Perceived Hearing Handicap in Adults From Hispanic/Latino Background: Findings From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Ear Hear 2021; 42:762-771. [PMID: 33625058 PMCID: PMC8222057 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine what factors, including acculturation (language and social contact preferences), were associated with self-perceived hearing handicap among adults from Hispanic/Latino background. We utilized the Aday-Andersen behavioral model of health services utilization to frame our hypotheses that predisposing characteristics (age, sex, education, city of residence, Hispanic/Latino background, and acculturation), enabling resources (annual income and current health insurance coverage), and need (measured hearing loss and self-reported hearing loss) would be related to clinically-significant self-perceived hearing handicap as measured by the Hearing Handicap Inventory - Screening (HHI-S) version. DESIGN We analyzed baseline data collected from 2008 to 2011 as part of the multisite Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Data were from 6585 adults with hearing loss (defined by a worse-ear 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz pure-tone average [PTA] of ≥25 dB HL and/or a 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz high-frequency PTA of ≥25 dB HL) aged 18 to 74 years from various Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. We conducted a series of multivariable logistic regression models examining the roles of independent variables of interest representing predisposing, enabling, and need indicators on the occurrence of clinically-significant self-perceived hearing handicap (e.g., HHI-S score > 8). RESULTS Among included participants, 953 (14.5%) had an HHI-S score >8. The final model revealed significant associations between predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, need, and HHI-S outcome. Predisposing characteristics and need factors were associated with higher odds of reporting self-perceived hearing handicap (HHI-S score >8) including acculturation as measured by the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.50), female sex (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.27-2.33), and poorer worse ear 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz PTA (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03); suggesting that a 5-decibel increase in a person's PTA was consistent with 10% higher odds of a HHI-S score of >8. Greater enabling resources were associated with lower odds of reporting clinically-significant self-perceived hearing handicap: compared with individuals with income <$10,000/year, the multivariable-adjusted OR among individuals with income $40,000 to $7500/year was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.33-0.89) and among individuals with income >$75,000/year was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.13-0.59]; p-trend < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest there are associations between predisposing, enabling and need variables consistent with the Aday-Andersen model and self-perceived hearing handicap among adults from Hispanic/Latino background. The influence of language and culture on perceived hearing loss and associated handicap is complex, and deserves more attention in future studies. Our findings warrant further investigation into understanding the role of language and language access in hearing health care utilization and outcomes, as the current body of literature is small and shows mixed outcomes.
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Granberg S, Gustafsson J. Key findings about hearing loss in the working-life: a scoping review from a well-being perspective. Int J Audiol 2021; 60:60-70. [PMID: 33630697 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1881628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review investigated key findings about hearing loss (HL) in the working life (WL) from a well-being perspective. DESIGN A scoping review protocol was used to search the literature and to explore and extract key findings. A narrative analysis of key findings was used to group the data into themes. Study sample: Fifty-three articles from 29 different journals were included in the analysis. RESULTS The narrative analysis identified three broad themes; individual aspects, work environment and work organisation. Individual aspects concerned problems that workers with HL experienced in their working lives, strategies they used to manage their working lives and different aspects of health in relation to WL. Work environment focussed on the physical, organisational and social work environment. Work organisation identified aspects related to division of labour and employment status. CONCLUSIONS Several of the included papers revealed lots of findings but did not substantially discuss the findings from a WL perspective. HL and well-being in WL is a multidimensional phenomenon due to the interplay between the individual and the environment. This interplay is rarely discussed in the included papers. Furthermore, intersectional aspects are infrequently highlighted and need to be further explored in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Granberg
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Audiological Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johanna Gustafsson
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Tsimpida D, Kontopantelis E, Ashcroft DM, Panagioti M. Conceptual Model of Hearing Health Inequalities (HHI Model): A Critical Interpretive Synthesis. Trends Hear 2021; 25:23312165211002963. [PMID: 34049470 PMCID: PMC8165532 DOI: 10.1177/23312165211002963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is a major health challenge that can have severe physical, social, cognitive, economic, and emotional consequences on people's quality of life. Currently, the modifiable factors linked to socioeconomic inequalities in hearing health are poorly understood. Therefore, an online database search (PubMed, Scopus, and Psych) was conducted to identify literature that relates hearing loss to health inequalities as a determinant or health outcome. A total of 53 studies were selected to thematically summarize the existing literature, using a critical interpretive synthesis method, where the subjectivity of the researcher is intimately involved in providing new insights with explanatory power. The evidence provided by the literature can be summarized under four key themes: (a) There might be a vicious cycle between hearing loss and socioeconomic inequalities and lifestyle factors, (b) socioeconomic position may interact with less healthy lifestyles, which are harmful to hearing ability, (c) increasing health literacy could improve the diagnosis and prognosis of hearing loss and prevent the adverse consequences of hearing loss on people's health, and (d) people with hearing loss might be vulnerable to receiving low-quality and less safe health care. This study uses elements from theoretical models of health inequalities to formulate a highly interpretive conceptual model for examining hearing health inequalities. This model depicts the specific mechanisms of hearing health and their evolution over time. There are many modifiable determinants of hearing loss, in several stages across an individual's life span; tackling socioeconomic inequalities throughout the life-course could improve the population's health, maximizing the opportunity for healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dialechti Tsimpida
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, Institute for Health Policy and Organisation (IHPO), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Kontopantelis
- Institute for Health Policy and Organisation (IHPO), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Darren M. Ashcroft
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Panagioti
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Hearing loss and employment: a systematic review of the association between hearing loss and employment among adults. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2020; 134:387-397. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022215120001012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundHearing loss affects over 1.3 billion individuals worldwide, with the greatest burden among adults. Little is known regarding the association between adult-onset hearing loss and employment.MethodsSeven databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ABI/Inform Collection, Business Source Ultimate, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched through to October 2018. The key word terms used related to hearing loss and employment, excluding paediatric or congenital hearing loss and deaf or culturally deaf populations.ResultsThe initial search resulted in 13 144 articles. A total of 7494 articles underwent title and abstract screening, and 243 underwent full-text review. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies were set in 10 predominantly high-income countries. Seven of the 25 studies analysed regionally or nationally representative datasets and controlled for key variables. Six of these seven studies reported associations between hearing loss and employment.ConclusionThe highest quality studies currently available indicate that adult-onset hearing loss is associated with unemployment. However, considerable heterogeneity exists, and more rigorous studies that include low- and middle-income countries are needed.
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Diet quality and hearing loss among middle-older aged adults in the USA: findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:812-820. [PMID: 31666145 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019002970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between overall diet quality and hearing function among middle-older aged adults in the USA. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis. Diet quality was examined using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), using data from a single 24 h dietary recall. Hearing function was objectively measured by audiometry assessments and hearing loss, including high- and low-frequency hearing loss, was defined as pure-tone averages at specific ranges of hearing frequencies >25 dB. Weighted logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of MDS (scored 0-9, categorized at the median as ≤3 or >3) with hearing loss and high- and low-frequency hearing loss. SETTING National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2000-2006 and 2009-2012. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged ≥50 years (n 1639) with valid dietary and audiometry assessments. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, a non-significant trend for a protective association of higher MDS was observed for hearing loss (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI 0·49, 1·23). A significant inverse association was observed for high-frequency hearing loss (OR = 0·64; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·95). No association was found for low-frequency hearing loss among women; however, higher MDS was significantly associated with higher odds of low-frequency hearing loss among men (OR = 2·63; 95 % CI 1·39, 4·95). CONCLUSIONS Among middle-older aged adults, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was inversely associated with hearing loss, including those at high hearing frequencies, among older adults. However, a detrimental association was observed at low hearing frequencies among men. Future investigations with a longitudinal design are needed to clarify the associations between diet quality and hearing loss.
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Dammeyer J, Crowe K, Marschark M, Rosica M. Work and Employment Characteristics of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Adults. JOURNAL OF DEAF STUDIES AND DEAF EDUCATION 2019; 24:386-395. [PMID: 31063190 DOI: 10.1093/deafed/enz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies have reported a higher level of unemployment among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) adults compared to adults without hearing loss. However, little is known about factors explaining success in the labor market. This study presents the analysis of two data sets. The first was drawn from a survey of 804 DHH adults in Denmark. The second was a survey completed by 190 DHH adults with post-secondary qualification in the United States. In the Danish sample, among the spoken language users, higher ages, higher level of educational attainment, and no additional disabilities were associated with having a job. Among the sign language users, higher ages, higher level of educational attainment, earlier ages at hearing loss diagnosis, and not using cochlear implants were associated with having a job. In the US sample, male gender and better sign language skills were associated with having a job.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn Crowe
- School of Teacher Education, Charles Sturt University
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - Marc Marschark
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - Mark Rosica
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology
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Tsimpida D, Kontopantelis E, Ashcroft D, Panagioti M. Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors associated with hearing loss in older adults: a cross-sectional study of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031030. [PMID: 31530617 PMCID: PMC6756470 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aims were (1) to examine whether socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with hearing loss (HL) among older adults in England and (2) whether major modifiable lifestyle factors (high body mass index, physical inactivity, tobacco consumption and alcohol intake above the low-risk-level guidelines) are associated with HL after controlling for non-modifiable demographic factors and SEP. SETTING We used data from the wave 7 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, which is a longitudinal household survey dataset of a representative sample of people aged 50 and older. PARTICIPANTS The final analytical sample was 8529 participants aged 50-89 that gave consent to have their hearing acuity objectively measured by a screening audiometry device and did not have any ear infection. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES HL defined as >35 dBHL at 3.0 kHz (better-hearing ear). Those with HL were further subdivided into two categories depending on the number of tones heard at 3.0 kHz. RESULTS HL was identified in 32.1% of men and 22.3% of women aged 50-89. Those in a lower SEP were up to two times more likely to have HL; the adjusted odds of HL were higher for those with no qualifications versus those with a degree/higher education (men: OR 1.87, 95%CI 1.47 to 2.38, women: OR 1.53, 95%CI 1.21 to 1.95), those in routine/manual occupations versus those in managerial/professional occupations (men: OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.43 to 2.63, women: OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.03 to 1.54), and those in the lowest versus the highest income and wealth quintiles (men: OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.08 to 2.44, women: OR 1.36, 95%CI 0.85 to 2.16, and men: OR1.72, 95%CI 1.26 to 2.35, women: OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.37 to 2.58, respectively). All regression models showed that socioeconomic and the modifiable lifestyle factors were strongly associated with HL after controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors are associated with HL among older adults as strongly as core demographic risk factors, such as age and gender. Socioeconomic inequalities and modifiable lifestyle behaviours need to be targeted by the health policy strategies, as an important step in designing interventions for individuals that face hearing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dialechti Tsimpida
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, Division of Population Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Evangelos Kontopantelis
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Darren Ashcroft
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Panagioti
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Division of Population Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Leonardi M, Guido D, Quintas R, Silvaggi F, Guastafierro E, Martinuzzi A, Chatterji S, Koskinen S, Tobiasz-Adamczyk B, Haro JM, Cabello M, Raggi A. Factors Related to Unemployment in Europe. A Cross-Sectional Study from the COURAGE Survey in Finland, Poland and Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040722. [PMID: 29641485 PMCID: PMC5923764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Research addressing the impact of a large number of factors on unemployment is scarce. We aimed to comprehensively identify factors related to unemployment in a sample of persons aged 18-64 from Finland, Poland and Spain. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, factors from different areas were considered: socio-demographic indicators, health habits, chronic conditions, health state markers, vision and hearing indicators, and social networks and built environment scores. Results: Complete data were available for 5003 participants, mean age 48.1 (SD 11.5), 45.4% males. The most important factors connected to unemployment were health status indicators such as physical disability (OR = 2.944), self-rated health (OR = 2.629), inpatient care (OR = 1.980), and difficulties with getting to the toilet (OR = 2.040), while the most relevant factor related to employment were moderate alcohol consumption (OR = 0.732 for non-heavy drinkers; OR = 0.573 for infrequent heavy drinkers), and being married (OR = 0.734), or having been married (OR = 0.584). Other factors that played a significant role included presence of depression (OR = 1.384) and difficulties with near vision (OR = 1.584) and conversation hearing (OR = 1.597). Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of selected factors related to unemployment, and suggest public health indications that could support concrete actions on modifiable factors, such as those aimed to promote physical activity and healthy behaviors, tackling depression or promoting education, in particular for the younger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Leonardi
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Davide Guido
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Rui Quintas
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Silvaggi
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Erika Guastafierro
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Centre, 31015 Conegliano Veneto, Italy.
| | - Somnath Chatterji
- Information, Evidence and Research Unit, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Seppo Koskinen
- Ageing, Disability and Functioning Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Beata Tobiasz-Adamczyk
- Department of Medical Sociology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, 08830 Barcelona, Spain.
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Cabello
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alberto Raggi
- Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Garramiola-Bilbao I, Rodríguez-Álvarez A. Linking hearing impairment, employment and education. Public Health 2016; 141:130-135. [PMID: 27931988 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the impact that hearing impairment and other relevant variables have on the education and employment situation of those affected by it in the Principality of Asturias, Spain. METHODS To achieve this objective, two discrete choice models (probit) are presented. The first one associates, among other variables, hearing impairment with the individual's employment status and in the second model, an ordered multinomial probit model is used to analyse, among other variables, how the impairment affects the individual's level of studies. RESULTS Although the levels of statistical significance are low, the model's estimates appear to indicate that hearing impairment in Spain increases the probability of being unemployed by 18.4% (P = 0.09). Additionally, the people suffering from such a disability are, compared with the rest of the population, 10.2% (P = 0.05) more likely to have only completed elementary studies without pursuing any further education. CONCLUSIONS If an individual is able to reach a level of secondary or higher education thus enabling a future incorporation to the work place, a benefit is obviously generated for both the individual as well as society (which has additionally incurred an investment in human capital). In this regard, encouraging the education of hearing-impaired students would profit both the individual (who receives an early integration as a child), which may contribute positively to family and social factors, as well as society who have incurred the investment. Therefore, our result could indicate that programmes created to support individuals with this type of disability represent an increase of welfare both individually and socially.
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Ribas A, Silvestre R, Mottecy CM, Kozlowski L, Marques JM. Relationship between Otolaryngologic Complaints and Systemic Comorbidities Observed in a Group of Hearing Aid Users. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 19:216-21. [PMID: 26157495 PMCID: PMC4490914 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1395997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Optimization of the selection, adaptation, and benefit of hearing aids is necessary to characterize and manage hearing loss, user expectations, otolaryngologic symptoms, and systemic comorbidities. Objective To compare the occurrence of otologic complaints, systemic diseases, and effective use of hearing aids in men and women with deafness. Methods Patients from a Unified Health System-accredited hearing health service, who reported problems in adapting to their hearing aids, were evaluated by a physician and audiologist. An anamnesis, ENT evaluation, and audiological evaluation were performed. Results During the data collection period, 278 subjects came in for follow-up visits; of these, 61 (21%) reported otologic or operational problems with their equipment. The most prevalent type of hearing loss was basocochlear, a characteristic of presbycusis, in both men and women; the most frequently reported comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (more significant in women) and hypertension (more significant in men). Fourteen subjects reported using their device discontinuously, with no significant difference between genders; the reasons for discontinuation of use were itching and ringing, with more complaints from women. Conclusion The incidence of systemic and audiological complaints is high in this population. These patients should be evaluated thoroughly, as resolutions of these complaints can contribute to improving the quality of life and assist in the process of hearing aid fitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ribas
- Communication Disorders Postgraduate Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Renata Silvestre
- Communication Disorders Postgraduate Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carla Meller Mottecy
- Communication Disorders Postgraduate Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lorena Kozlowski
- Department of Audiology, Centro de Audição e Linguagem, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jair Mendes Marques
- Communication Disorders Postgraduate Program, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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14
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Gevonden MJ, Myin-Germeys I, van den Brink W, van Os J, Selten JP, Booij J. Psychotic reactions to daily life stress and dopamine function in people with severe hearing impairment. Psychol Med 2015; 45:1665-1674. [PMID: 25482840 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714002797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minor stresses measured in daily life have repeatedly been associated with increased momentary psychotic experiences, both in individuals with psychotic disorders and in persons who are genetically at an increased risk for these disorders. Severe hearing impairment (SHI) is an environmental risk factor for psychotic disorder, possibly due to the experience of social exclusion. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether people with SHI exhibit higher levels of psychotic reactivity to social stressors in daily life than normal-hearing controls and whether this reactivity is associated with decreased baseline dopamine (DA) D2/3 receptor availability and/or elevated DA release following a dexamphetamine challenge. METHOD We conducted an experience sampling study in 15 young adults with SHI and 19 matched normal-hearing controls who had previously participated in a single photon emission computed tomography study measuring DA D2/3 receptor availability and DA release in response to dexamphetamine. RESULTS The association between social stress and momentary psychotic experiences in daily life was stronger among SHI participants than among normal-hearing controls. Interactions between social stress and baseline striatal DA D2/3 receptor availability or DA release were not significant in multilevel models of momentary psychotic experiences including age, sex and tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS While both elevated striatal DA release and elevated psychotic stress reactivity have been found in the same population defined by an environmental risk factor, SHI, their inter-relationship cannot be established. Further research is warranted to clarify the association between biological and psychological endophenotypes and psychosis risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gevonden
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,EURON,Maastricht University,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - I Myin-Germeys
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,EURON,Maastricht University,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - W van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry,Academic Medical Center,University of Amsterdam,Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - J van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,EURON,Maastricht University,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - J P Selten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,EURON,Maastricht University,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - J Booij
- Department of Nuclear Medicine,Academic Medical Center,University of Amsterdam,Amsterdam,The Netherlands
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15
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Videhult Pierre P, Johnson AC, Fridberger A. Subjective and clinically assessed hearing loss; a cross-sectional register-based study on a swedish population aged 18 through 50 years. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123290. [PMID: 25875116 PMCID: PMC4395427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Questionnaire studies suggest that hearing is declining among young adults. However, few studies have examined the reliability of hearing questionnaires among young adult subjects. This study examined the associations between pure tone audiometrically assessed (PTA) hearing loss and questionnaire responses in young to middle aged adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study using questionnaire and screening PTA (500 through 6000 Hz) data from 15322 Swedish subjects (62% women) aged 18 through 50 years. PTA hearing loss was defined as a hearing threshold above 20 dB in both ears at one or more frequencies. Data were analysed with chi-square tests, nonlinear regression, binary logistic regression, and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach. RESULTS The prevalence of PTA hearing loss was 6.0% in men and 2.9% in women (p < 0.001). Slight hearing impairment was reported by 18.5% of the men and 14.8% of the women (p < 0.001), whereas 0.5% of men and women reported very impaired hearing. Using multivariate GEE modelling, the odds ratio of PTA hearing loss was 30.4 (95% CI, 12.7-72.9) in men and 36.5 (17.2-77.3) in women reporting very impaired hearing. The corresponding figures in those reporting slightly impaired hearing were 7.06 (5.25-9.49) in men and 8.99 (6.38-12.7) in women. These values depended on the sound stimulus frequency (p = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.904 (0.892-0.915) in men and 0.886 (0.872-0.900) in women. CONCLUSIONS Subjective hearing impairment predicted clinically assessed hearing loss, suggesting that there is cause for concern as regards the future development of hearing in young to middle-aged people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Videhult Pierre
- Division of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Ann-Christin Johnson
- Division of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Fridberger
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Cognitive spare capacity and speech communication: a narrative overview. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:869726. [PMID: 24971355 PMCID: PMC4058272 DOI: 10.1155/2014/869726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background noise can make speech communication tiring and cognitively taxing, especially for individuals with hearing impairment. It is now well established that better working memory capacity is associated with better ability to understand speech under adverse conditions as well as better ability to benefit from the advanced signal processing in modern hearing aids. Recent work has shown that although such processing cannot overcome hearing handicap, it can increase cognitive spare capacity, that is, the ability to engage in higher level processing of speech. This paper surveys recent work on cognitive spare capacity and suggests new avenues of investigation.
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