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Zaheer J, Lee HS, Kim S, Jang J, Kim H, Choi J, Park MH, Kim JS. Microplastic polyethylene induced inner ear dysfunction in murine model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135193. [PMID: 39029192 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
While the hazardous effects of microplastics (MPs) are increasingly reported, it remains uncertain if MPs induce inner ear dysfunction. Nonetheless, prevalence of inner ear dysfunction was observed across all age groups. In this study, we investigated whether MP polyethylene affect inner ear function in a murine model. To detect hearing loss and balance defect after polyethylene (PE) exposure, we evaluated hearing threshold levels, assessed cerebral glucose metabolism, conducted transcriptome analysis, and performed behavioral studies. C57BL/6 J mice (5-week-old) were grouped into control (n = 10) and PE-fed groups (n = 10). Mice were orally administered 100 ppm/100 μL (equivalent to 10 μg) of PE every day for 4 months. We identified the accumulation of PE in the cochlea and vestibular region. The fragmented PE in inner ear was 3.00 ± 0.38 µm in size; the administered PE concentration was 1.14 ± 1.06 mg/g. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed that the properties of the MP were identical with those of PE fed to the mice. Transcriptomic analysis showed up-regulation of PER1, NR4A3 and CEBPB at the PE exposed inner ear tissue and it was confirmed using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. We observed abnormalities in balance related behavior assessment in the PE group. Exposure to PE increased the hearing thresholds and decreased glucose metabolism in the bilateral lateral entorhinal cortex, right primary auditory cortex, and right secondary auditory cortex. We can conclude that PE exposure induced inner ear dysfunction such as hearing loss and balance disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javeria Zaheer
- Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea; Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, Korea National University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Sun Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University, Seoul 07061, Republic of Korea; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyoun Kim
- Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea; Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, Korea National University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehee Jang
- School of Integrative Engineering, College of ICT Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongi Kim
- Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghoon Choi
- School of Integrative Engineering, College of ICT Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hyun Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University, Seoul 07061, Republic of Korea; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Su Kim
- Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea; Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, Korea National University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Hansen RS, Scheel-Hincke LL, Jeune B, Ahrenfeldt LJ. Sex differences in vision and hearing impairments across age and European regions : Findings from SHARE. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:55-63. [PMID: 37280394 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02223-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Although sensory impairments are common conditions among older people, research often fails to consider the role of sex. We examined sex differences in vision impairment and hearing impairment across age and European regions. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a pooled sample of 65,656 females and 54,881 males aged 50 years and older participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) from 2004-2020. Logistic regression models with robust standard errors providing odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to examine associations. RESULTS European females had generally higher odds of vision impairment (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.21) but lower odds of hearing impairment than European males (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.67-0.73). The female disadvantage in vision increased with advancing age, whereas the female advantage in hearing decreased. No overall sex difference in vision was found in northern Europe, but females had more vision impairments than males in southern (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.14-1.32), western (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.21) and eastern (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.20) Europe. Females were healthier than males in terms of hearing in all regions, with the largest female advantage in northern Europe (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.53-0.64). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate an overall consistent pattern of sex differences in sensory impairments across Europe showing an increasing female disadvantage in vision and a decreasing female advantage in hearing with advancing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Syrak Hansen
- Unit for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Lasse Lybecker Scheel-Hincke
- Unit for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Bernard Jeune
- Unit for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Linda Juel Ahrenfeldt
- Unit for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
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3
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Zhou AS, Corrales CE, Prince A, Yueh B, Shin JJ. Normative Values for the Inner EAR Scale. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:1163-1169. [PMID: 37061891 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine normative values for the Inner Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (Inner EAR) scale, a validated instrument utilized to study the impact of hearing loss and potential treatments. STUDY DESIGN Observational outcomes study. SETTING Academic medical center and community care sites. METHODS We included patients who were at least 18 years of age and completed the Inner EAR scale, pure-tone audiometry, and word recognition score assessment. Based on audiometry results, patients were categorized as having: (1) normal bilateral hearing, (2) unilateral hearing loss, and (3) bilateral hearing loss. The distributions of Inner EAR scale scores were assessed within each category. Fisher's exact test was utilized to determine whether data-driven threshold values could discriminate among the 3 clinical groups. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients with hearing-related complaints met inclusion criteria. Mean Inner EAR scores for patients with bilateral hearing loss (29.2, interquartile range [IQR] 10-41.5), unilateral hearing loss (38.9, IQR 23-49), and normal hearing (46.6, IQR 31-62) were significantly different (analysis of variance F < 0.0001). An Inner EAR score threshold of 50 supported the ability to statistically significantly discriminate between bilateral hearing loss and normal hearing (p = .003), as well as between unilateral hearing loss and normal hearing (p = .015). CONCLUSION An Inner EAR score normative threshold value of 50 provides significant discriminatory ability between normal hearing and unilateral or bilateral hearing loss on audiometry. Normative values provide useful, frequently referenced data when assessing responses to treatment. Based on these data, this threshold may help distinguish patients with and without perceived functional impact from hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen S Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carleton Eduardo Corrales
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony Prince
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bevan Yueh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer J Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ghisletta P, Dahle CL, Raz N. Age-Related Hearing Loss, Cognitive Performance, and Metabolic Risk in Healthy Adults: A Seven-Year Longitudinal Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:409-420. [PMID: 36149827 PMCID: PMC9985316 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sensorineural hearing loss (presbycusis) affects up to half of the adults, is associated with cognitive decline. Whether this association reflects the cause, the consequence, or parallel processes driven by other factors remains unclear. Both presbycusis and cognition are linked to elevated metabolic risk, which in turn raises with age. METHOD In a multioccasion longitudinal design, we used latent change score models with strong factorial invariance to assess the change in pure-tone threshold auditory function, fluid intelligence, metabolic risk, variability therein, and the dynamic relationships among the 3 domains. We examined, up to 4 times over more than 7 years, a sample of relatively healthy 687 adults (aged 18.17-83.25 years). RESULTS We found that levels of auditory and cognitive functioning at time t-1 influence each other's subsequent change between times t-1 and t, even when controlling for the reciprocal effects of metabolic risk on both. Thus, auditory and cognitive functioning do not only decline in parallel in healthy adults, but also affect each other's trajectories. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first long-term study with such evidence. DISCUSSION Our results are in accord with extant hypotheses about auditory-cognitive associations in old age (e.g., social isolation, cognitive load, increased inflammation, reduced gene expression, and other microvascular or neuropathological factors). They also echo previous reports underscoring the need for improving access to hearing aids and other rehabilitative services aimed at reducing hearing loss. If applied early in the aging process, such interventions may mitigate cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ghisletta
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, UniDistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl L Dahle
- Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Naftali Raz
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin-Dahlem, Germany
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Mathias SR, Knowles EEM, Mollon J, Rodrigue AL, Woolsey MK, Hernandez AM, Garrett AS, Fox PT, Olvera RL, Peralta JM, Kumar S, Göring HHH, Duggirala R, Curran JE, Blangero J, Glahn DC. The Genetic contribution to solving the cocktail-party problem. iScience 2022; 25:104997. [PMID: 36111257 PMCID: PMC9468408 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Communicating in everyday situations requires solving the cocktail-party problem, or segregating the acoustic mixture into its constituent sounds and attending to those of most interest. Humans show dramatic variation in this ability, leading some to experience real-world problems irrespective of whether they meet criteria for clinical hearing loss. Here, we estimated the genetic contribution to cocktail-party listening by measuring speech-reception thresholds (SRTs) in 425 people from large families and ranging in age from 18 to 91 years. Roughly half the variance of SRTs was explained by genes (h 2 = 0.567). The genetic correlation between SRTs and hearing thresholds (HTs) was medium (ρ G = 0.392), suggesting that the genetic factors influencing cocktail-party listening were partially distinct from those influencing sound sensitivity. Aging and socioeconomic status also strongly influenced SRTs. These findings may represent a first step toward identifying genes for "hidden hearing loss," or hearing problems in people with normal HTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R Mathias
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emma E M Knowles
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Josephine Mollon
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amanda L Rodrigue
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mary K Woolsey
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Alyssa M Hernandez
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Amy S Garrett
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Peter T Fox
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Rene L Olvera
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Juan M Peralta
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Satish Kumar
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Harald H H Göring
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Ravi Duggirala
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Joanne E Curran
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - John Blangero
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Wang YA, Chang V, Cross AR, Xu QA, Yu S. Towards Perceived Playfulness and Adoption of Hearables in Smart Cities of China. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/jgim.309956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
'Hearables' have become important in the aging population. This study investigates whether smart technologies help middle-aged and elderly people accept hearing aid devices in smart cities of China. The authors adopt the PLS-SEM framework to analyze the factors that affect behavioral intention towards adopting hearing aids in smart cities. In order to avoid common method bias, Harman's single factor method is also carried out to make sure the instrument does not introduce a bias. The findings suggest that perceived playfulness and perceived usefulness are principal determinants of hearing aids adoption. In contrast, perceived ease of use, a factor always stressed in literature, does not matter significantly. The results reveal that smart technologies enable patients to access professional services and instructions playfully, which reduces obstacles to adopt hearing aids. This study provides novel insights for policymakers and manufacturers to expand hearing aid adoption by facilitating smart infrastructure and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Anna Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, FMNHS, Monash University; Suzhou Industrial Park Monash Research Institute of Science and Technology, China
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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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Maharani A, Dawes P, Nazroo J, Tampubolon G, Pendleton N. Healthcare system performance and socioeconomic inequalities in hearing and visual impairments in 17 European countries. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:79-86. [PMID: 33020838 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status is associated with health status among older adults, including hearing and vision impairments, and healthcare system performance is an important consideration in examining that association. We explored the link between a country's healthcare system performance and the hearing and visual impairments of its people in Europe. METHODS This study enrolled 65 332 individuals aged 50+ from 17 countries participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe Wave 6. We used latent class analysis to identify groups of countries based on six domains of healthcare system performance. We then performed multiple logistic regressions to quantify the association between socioeconomic status and hearing and visual impairments adjusted for demographic and other co-variates; finally, we compared the patterns of observed associations in each of the country groups. RESULTS The latent class analysis separated countries into three groups based on the performance of their healthcare systems: poor, moderate and high. Respondents in countries with moderate and poor healthcare performance were more likely to experience hearing and visual impairment than those in countries with high healthcare performance. With respect to hearing and visual impairments, wealth gradients at the individual level varied among countries in different healthcare performance groups, with less wealth associated with worse hearing and seeing only in the countries with moderate and poor healthcare performance. CONCLUSION The relationships between wealth and hearing and visual impairments differ among countries with different healthcare performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asri Maharani
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Piers Dawes
- Division of Human Communication, Development & Hearing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Linguistics, The Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Nazroo
- Division of Social Statistics, Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Gindo Tampubolon
- Division of Social Statistics, Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Neil Pendleton
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Lewis A, Vanaelst B, Hua H, Yoon Choi B, Jaramillo R, Kong K, Ray J, Thakar A, Järbrink K, Hol MKS. Success rates in restoring hearing loss in patients with chronic otitis media: A systematic review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2021; 6:522-530. [PMID: 34195374 PMCID: PMC8223463 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of tympanoplasty in treating chronic otitis media-related hearing loss, published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the clinical success rate of tympanoplasty at restoring hearing in chronic otitis media patients at a minimum follow-up period of 12-months. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. METHODS Two independent reviewers performed literature searches. Publications reporting long-term (≥12-month) hearing outcomes and complications data on adult and pediatric patients with chronic otitis media were included and assessed for risk of bias and strength of evidence. To assess how tympanoplasty influences long-term hearing outcomes, data on pure tone audiometry (air-bone gap) and complications were extracted and synthesized. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Data from 3162 patients indicated that 14.0% of patients encountered postoperative complications. In adult patients, mean weighted air-bone gap data show closure from 26.5 dB hearing level (HL) (preoperatively) to 16.1 dB HL (postoperatively). In studies that presented combined adult and pediatric data, the mean preoperative air-bone gap of 26.7 dB HL was closed to 15.4 dB HL. In 1370 patients with synthesizable data, 70.7% of patients had a postoperative air-bone gap ˂ 20 dB HL at long-term follow-up. Finally, subgroup analysis identified that mean improvement in ABG closure for patients with and without cholesteatoma was 10.0 dB HL and 12.4 dB HL, respectively. CONCLUSION In patients with chronic otitis media, tympanoplasty successfully closed the air-bone gap to within 20 dB HL in 7/10 cases and had an overall complication rate of 14.0%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaran Lewis
- Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions ABMölnlyckeSweden
| | | | - Håkan Hua
- Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions ABMölnlyckeSweden
| | - Byung Yoon Choi
- Bundang HospitalSeoul National UniversitySeongnamSouth Korea
| | | | | | - Jaydip Ray
- ENT DepartmentSheffield Teaching HospitalsSheffieldUK
| | - Alok Thakar
- All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | | | - Myrthe K. S. Hol
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Center for NeurosciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenNetherlands
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
- Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences, Graduate School of Medical SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
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10
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Explaining better hearing in Norway: a comparison of two cohorts 20 years apart - the HUNT study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:242. [PMID: 33509127 PMCID: PMC7844976 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hearing function at a given age seems to have improved in more recent born cohorts in industrialized countries. But the reasons for the improvement have not yet been explained. Methods We investigated the extent to which better hearing in Norway is attributed to modifiable risk factors by using representative demographic and audiometric data from two cohorts of the Trøndelag Health Study, HUNT2 (1996–1998) and HUNT4 (2017–2019). We estimated natural indirect effects using causal inference methods in order to assess whether cohort improvement in hearing thresholds (HTs) was mediated by occupational noise exposure, recurrent ear infections, smoking and education. Results The improvement in HTs from HUNT2 to HUNT4 was 2.8 and 3.0 dB at low respectively high frequencies. Together all risk factors mediated this improvement by 0.8 dB (95% CI 0.7–0.9) and 0.8 dB (95% CI 0.7–0.9) respectively, corresponding to mediated proportions of 27 and 28%. Substantial mediation was specifically found for occupational noise in men and recurrent ear infections in women (mediated proportions of 11 and 17% at high frequencies, respectively). Conclusions Increased education, less occupational noise exposure, ear infections and smoking contributed considerably to better hearing in Norway the last two decades. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10301-1.
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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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12
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Pathway analysis of time of pacifier use by children whose mothers are hearing impaired or have normal hearing. J Clin Transl Res 2020; 6:217-224. [PMID: 33564726 PMCID: PMC7868114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of mothers' understanding and information can increase their anxiety and lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as pacifier-use, in their children. AIM This study aimed to perform pathway analysis of pacifier use by children whose mothers were hearing impaired or had normal hearing. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 116 Brazilian mothers (29 hearing impaired and 87 with normal hearing). Mothers were interviewed about socioeconomic factors and their children's pacifier use habits. They also completed the deaf or hearing versions of the Brazilian Beck Anxiety Inventory. The pathway analysis was used to determine the effects of different variables in the two groups. RESULTS The child pacifier use pathway among hearing mothers was associated with a long duration of pacifier use (P=0.005), bottle-feeding use (P=0.004), and mothers who had maternity leave (P=0.004). The child pacifier use pathway among mothers who were deaf was associated with premature birth (P=0.025) and a short duration of pacifier use (P=0.005). Mothers who were deaf were also more anxious than those who have normal hearing (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Children of normal hearing mothers used a pacifier for a longer duration than the children of mothers who were deaf. Time of pacifier use was also directly affected by bottle-feeding and maternity leave. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS These findings provide important information about the cultural path of pacifier use taken by families that had members with and without hearing impairment.
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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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Gao J, Hu H, Yao L. The role of social engagement in the association of self-reported hearing loss and health-related quality of life. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:182. [PMID: 32450797 PMCID: PMC7249415 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01581-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing loss is highly prevalent and associated with reduced well-being in older adults. But little is known about the role of social factors in the association of hearing difficulty and its health consequences. This study aims to examine the association between self-reported hearing loss and health-related quality of life (HRQoL, consisted of physical and mental component summary, PCS and MCS), and to investigate whether social engagement mediates this association. METHOD Data on 4035 older adults aged 60 years or above from a cross-sectional nationally representative database in China were obtained to address this study. HRQoL was measured by the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12). Hearing loss was defined by a dichotomized measure of self-reported hearing difficulty, which has been proved to be sensitive and displayed moderate associations with audiometric assessment in elderly population. Social engagement was measured by the Index of Social Engagement Scale. Bootstrap test was applied to test for the significance of the mediating role of social engagement. RESULTS Self-reported hearing loss was found negatively associated with HRQoL in older adults, and hearing loss was much more related to reduced mental well-being. Social engagement played a partial mediating role in the association of hearing loss and HRQoL. Social engagement account for 4.14% of the variance in the change of PCS scores and 13.72% for MCS, respectively. CONCLUSION The study lends support to the hypothesis that hearing loss is associated with aging well beings, and the use of hearing aid or proper social engagement intervention may improve the quality of life among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Gao
- Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, No. 5, Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871 PR China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- School of Public Administration and Policy, The Research Center for Health Protection, Renmin University of China, No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100872 PR China
| | - Lan Yao
- School of Public Administration and Policy, The Research Center for Health Protection, Renmin University of China, No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100872 PR China
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Noel CW, Mok F, Wu V, Eskander A, Yao CMKL, Hwang SW, Lichter M, Reekie M, Smith S, Syrett I, Zirkle M, Lin V, Lee JM. Hearing loss and hearing needs in an adult homeless population: a prospective cross-sectional study. CMAJ Open 2020; 8:E199-E204. [PMID: 32184284 PMCID: PMC7082104 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20190220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that hearing loss is associated with increased social isolation, reduced earning potential and neurocognitive disease, findings of uncorrected hearing loss in the homeless population have important policy implications. We sought to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment in an adult homeless population. METHODS We recruited adult (age ≥ 18 yr) homeless people across 10 homeless shelters in Toronto between April and June 2018 using a 2-stage sampling technique. Participants were interviewed by 1 interviewer using a modified survey that had been used in previous studies looking at other health needs in homeless populations. A comprehensive head and neck examination and audiometric evaluation were performed in each participant by an otolaryngologist and an audiologist. Descriptive statistics were estimated. Audiometric data were standardized directly for age and sex to facilitate direct comparisons with the general Canadian population. RESULTS Of the 132 people invited, 100 (75.8%) agreed to participate. The median age was 46 (interquartile range [IQR] 37-58) years. The median duration of homelessness was 24 (IQR 6-72) months. Although most participants (78) had some form of extended health care benefits through social assistance, only 22/78 (28%) were aware that hearing tests and hearing aids were covered through these programs. After direct standardization for age and sex, the proportions of participants with a speech-frequency and high-frequency hearing loss were 39.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.4%-49.3%) and 51.9% (95% CI 42.2%-61.4%), respectively. Nineteen participants were hearing aid candidates, only 1 of whom owned functional hearing aids. Rates of speech-frequency hearing loss (39.5%, 95% CI 30.4%-49.3% v. 19.2%, 95% CI 16.9%-21.7%) and high-frequency hearing loss (51.9%, 95% CI 42.2%-61.4% v. 35.5%, 95% CI 33.1%-37.7%) were substantially higher than in the general Canadian population. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that homeless adults have a high prevalence of hearing impairment, even when living within a system of universal health insurance; awareness of health care benefits through social assistance programs was poor. Results from this study may prompt initiatives surrounding homeless outreach and health screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Noel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Florence Mok
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Vincent Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Antoine Eskander
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Christopher M K L Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Stephen W Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Myrna Lichter
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Melissa Reekie
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sean Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Ian Syrett
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Molly Zirkle
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Vincent Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
| | - John M Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Noel, Mok, Wu, Eskander, Yao, Zirkle, Lin), University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Noel), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Eskander, Syrett, Lin), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Hwang, Lee); Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Departments of Ophthalmology (Lichter), Audiology (Reekie, Smith) and Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (Zirkle, Lee), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
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Hearing loss, family status and mortality - Findings from the HUNT study, Norway. Soc Sci Med 2018; 220:219-225. [PMID: 30463047 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hearing loss as well as being single has been associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. The purpose of the study is to assess whether being single or childless moderates the elevated risk of mortality in hearing impaired. The Nord-Trøndelag hearing Loss Study examined 50,462 persons above 20 years of age during 1996-1998. The Norwegian Cause of Death Registry was used to identify deaths until 2016. Data on marital status was obtained from the Norwegian Population Registry. Hearing loss was defined as the pure-tone average (0.5-4 kHz) of hearing thresholds greater than 25 dB hearing level (dB HL) in the better ear. Associations between hearing loss and mortality risk were estimated using Cox regression after an average follow-up of 17.6 years. Hearing loss was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality before 75 years of age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-1.4) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1) but not with cancer mortality (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.3) or mortality due to injuries (HR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9-2.3). Adjusting for socio-economic characteristics, cardiovascular risk-factors, diseases, and family status, reduced the associations for all-cause mortality (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6). The adjusted mortality risk was found to be significantly related to family status. Being divorced raised the mortality risk associated with hearing loss among those below 75 years of age. There was a similar tendency also for being childless, although this was only significant for females. There was also a trend for a lower mortality related to hearing loss in subjects with a well-hearing partner. More focus should be given to those who lack a family when having functional limitations such as hearing impairment.
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Global burden of hearing impairment and ear disease. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2018; 133:18-25. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022215118001275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundHearing loss can present at birth or be acquired as a result of illness, middle-ear disease, injury, age, overuse of certain medications, and/or induced by exposure to damaging noise levels. There are serious short-term consequences for people living with hearing impairment, including the effects on language acquisition, education, employment and overall wellbeing. There are also complex long-term implications.ObjectivesThis review aimed to present some of the leading causes of ear disease and hearing loss globally, and to identify their impact at both an individual and societal level.
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Association of socioeconomic status with hearing loss in Chinese working-aged adults: A population-based study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195227. [PMID: 29596478 PMCID: PMC5875885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensory impairment, but limited studies focused on the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with hearing loss among adults of working age. This paper aimed to fill this gap among Chinese adults. We obtained data from Ear and Hearing Disorder Survey conducted in four provinces of China in 2014-2015. The survey was based on WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol and 25,860 adults aged 25 to 59 years were selected in this study. Trained local examiners performed pure tone audiometry to screen people with hearing loss, and those who were screened positively for hearing loss were referred to audiologists to make final diagnosis. SES was measured by occupation, education and income. Results show after adjusting for SES measures and covariates, in urban areas, compared with white-collar workers, blue-collar workers and the unemployed were more likely to have hearing loss, with an odds ratio of 1.2 (95%CI: 1.0, 1.3) and 1.2 (95%CI: 1.0, 1.4), respectively. Compared with people with education of senior high school or above, those with junior high school, primary school and illiteracy had 1.6 (95%CI: 1.4, 1.8), 2.1(95%CI: 1.7, 2.5) and 2.6 (95%CI: 1.9, 3.7) times as likely to have hearing loss, respectively. In rural areas, the unemployed had 1.5 (95%CI: 1.0, 2.3) times the risk of hearing loss compared with white-collar workers, and illiterates had 1.6 (95%CI: 1.6, 2.1) times the risk of hearing loss compared with people with education of senior high school or above, after SES variables and covariates were taken into considerations. Income was not significantly associated with hearing loss in urban and rural areas. In conclusion, SES, in the form of occupation and education, was associated with hearing loss among working-aged population, and further studies are needed to explore the mechanism of such association.
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Scholes S, Biddulph J, Davis A, Mindell JS. Socioeconomic differences in hearing among middle-aged and older adults: cross-sectional analyses using the Health Survey for England. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019615. [PMID: 29391384 PMCID: PMC5829909 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing loss impacts on cognitive, social and physical functioning. Both hearing loss and hearing aid use vary across population subgroups. We examined whether hearing loss, and reported current hearing aid use among persons with hearing loss, were associated with different markers of socioeconomic status (SES) in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. METHODS Hearing was measured using an audiometric screening device in the Health Survey for England 2014 (3292 participants aged 45 years and over). Hearing loss was defined as >35 dB HL at 3.0 kHz in the better-hearing ear. Using sex-specific logistic regression modelling, we evaluated the associations between SES and hearing after adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS 26% of men and 20% of women aged 45 years and over had hearing loss. Hearing loss was higher among men in the lowest SES groups. For example, the multivariable-adjusted odds of hearing loss were almost two times as high for those in the lowest versus the highest income tertile (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.74). Among those with hearing loss, 30% of men and 27% of women were currently using a hearing aid. Compared with men in the highest income tertile, the multivariable-adjusted odds of using a hearing aid nowadays were lower for men in the middle (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.99) and the lowest (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.97) income tertiles. Associations between SES and hearing were weaker or null among women. CONCLUSIONS While the burden of hearing loss fell highest among men in the lowest SES groups, current hearing aid use was demonstrably lower. Initiatives to detect hearing loss early and increase the uptake and the use of hearing aids may provide substantial public health benefits and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Scholes
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Jane Biddulph
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Adrian Davis
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Jennifer S. Mindell
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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Mittal R, Nguyen D, Patel AP, Debs LH, Mittal J, Yan D, Eshraghi AA, Van De Water TR, Liu XZ. Recent Advancements in the Regeneration of Auditory Hair Cells and Hearing Restoration. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:236. [PMID: 28824370 PMCID: PMC5534485 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosensory responses of hearing and balance are mediated by receptors in specialized neuroepithelial sensory cells. Any disruption of the biochemical and molecular pathways that facilitate these responses can result in severe deficits, including hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Hearing is affected by both environmental and genetic factors, with impairment of auditory function being the most common neurosensory disorder affecting 1 in 500 newborns, as well as having an impact on the majority of elderly population. Damage to auditory sensory cells is not reversible, and if sufficient damage and cell death have taken place, the resultant deficit may lead to permanent deafness. Cochlear implants are considered to be one of the most successful and consistent treatments for deaf patients, but only offer limited recovery at the expense of loss of residual hearing. Recently there has been an increased interest in the auditory research community to explore the regeneration of mammalian auditory hair cells and restoration of their function. In this review article, we examine a variety of recent therapies, including genetic, stem cell and molecular therapies as well as discussing progress being made in genome editing strategies as applied to the restoration of hearing function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Desiree Nguyen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Amit P. Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Luca H. Debs
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Denise Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Thomas R. Van De Water
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Xue Z. Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
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von Gablenz P, Holube I. Social inequalities in pure-tone hearing assessed using occupational stratification schemes. Int J Audiol 2017. [PMID: 28635505 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1294767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to analyse the performance of two occupational stratification approaches and the impact of social position on adult hearing. DESIGN The prevalence of hearing impairment, pure-tone averages (PTA) and prevalence ratios (PR) for relative hearing loss, which focuses on the position of one's PTA in the age- and gender-specific distribution, were compared in groups defined by ISCO Skill Level and the International Socio-Economic Index (ISEI). STUDY SAMPLE About 1571 subjects aged 30-89, including 677 highly screened adults, from the cross-sectional study HÖRSTAT. RESULTS ISCO Skill Level and ISEI yielded qualitatively the same results. The prevalence difference between the socially least and most advantaged group ranges between 10 and 16%, varying with the scheme applied. Low- and high-frequency PTA and PR for relative hearing loss confirm the gradient. Screening reduced, but did not negate the social differences. The prevalence difference dropped to 6-7% in the otologically normal subsample. CONCLUSIONS Social groups defined by hierarchical, occupational measures differ in their pure-tone hearing, even if the main risk factors are controlled for. This underlines the need for population-based sampling, the relevance of reporting the study group's social composition and the importance of advancing the discussion on appropriate social measures in hearing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra von Gablenz
- a Institute of Hearing Technology and Audiology , Jade University of Applied Sciences and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4All" , Oldenburg , Germany
| | - Inga Holube
- a Institute of Hearing Technology and Audiology , Jade University of Applied Sciences and Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4All" , Oldenburg , Germany
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations between hearing loss and educational attainment, income, and unemployment/underemployment in U.S. adults. STUDY DESIGN National cross-sectional survey. SETTING Ambulatory examination centers. PATIENTS Adults aged 20 to 69 years who participated in the 1999 to 2002 cycles of the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) audiometric evaluation and income questionnaire (N = 3,379). INTERVENTION(S) Pure-tone audiometry, with hearing loss defined by World Health Organization criteria of bilateral pure-tone average of more than 25 dB (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Low educational attainment, defined as not completing high school; low income, defined as family income less than $20,000 per year; and unemployment or underemployment, defined as not having a job or working less than 35 hours per week. RESULTS Individuals with hearing loss had 3.21 times higher odds of low educational attainment (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.20-4.68) compared with normal-hearing individuals. Controlling for education, age, sex, and race, individuals with hearing loss had 1.58 times higher odds of low income (95% CI, 1.16-2.15) and 1.98 times higher odds of being unemployed or underemployed (95% CI, 1.38-2.85) compared with normal-hearing individuals. CONCLUSION Hearing loss is associated with low educational attainment in U.S. adults. Even after controlling for education and important demographic factors, hearing loss is independently associated with economic hardship, including both low income and unemployment/underemployment. The societal impact of hearing loss is profound in this nationally representative study and should be further evaluated with longitudinal cohorts. Received institutional review board approval (National Center for Health Statistics Institutional Review Board Protocol no. 98-12).
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Bainbridge KE, Wallhagen MI. Hearing loss in an aging American population: extent, impact, and management. Annu Rev Public Health 2014; 35:139-52. [PMID: 24641557 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite contributing substantially to disability in the United States, age-related hearing loss is an underappreciated public health concern. Loss of hearing sensitivity has been documented in two-thirds of adults aged 70 years and older and has been associated with communication difficulties, lower health-related quality of life, and decreased physical and cognitive function. Management strategies for age-related hearing loss are costly, yet the indirect costs due to lost productivity among people with communication difficulties are also substantial and likely to grow. Hearing aids can improve health-related quality of life, but the majority of people with documented hearing loss do not report using them. Uncovering effective means to improve the utilization of hearing health care services is essential for meeting the hearing health care demands of our aging population. The importance of hearing for general well-being warrants an effort to enhance awareness among the general population of the indications of hearing loss and options for assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Bainbridge
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9670;
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De Souza LR, Fuller-Thomson E. Acculturation and disability rates among Filipino-Americans. J Immigr Minor Health 2014; 15:462-71. [PMID: 23054536 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Filipinos are the fastest growing Asian subgroup in America. Among immigrants, higher acculturation (adaptation to host society) predicts disability outcomes and may relate to disability prevalence among older Filipinos. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2006 American Community Survey using a representative sample of older Filipinos (2,113 males; 3,078 females) to measure functional limitations, limitations in activities of daily living, blindness/deafness and memory/learning problems. Filipino males who were Americans by birth/naturalization had higher odds of blindness/deafness (OR 2.94; 95% CI = 1.69, 5.12) than non-citizens. Males who spoke English at home had higher odds of blindness/deafness (OR 1.82; 95% CI = 1.05, 3.17) and memory/learning problems (OR 2.28; 95% CI = 1.25, 4.15), while females had higher odds of memory/learning problems (OR 1.75; 95% CI = 1.13, 2.73). Acculturation is associated with greater odds of disabilities for Filipino men. Males may be more sensitive to acculturation-effects than females due to culturally prescribed roles and gender-specific experiences at the time of immigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne R De Souza
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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The impoverished brain: disparities in maternal education affect the neural response to sound. J Neurosci 2013; 33:17221-31. [PMID: 24174656 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2102-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of poverty worldwide, little is known about how early socioeconomic adversity affects auditory brain function. Socioeconomically disadvantaged children are underexposed to linguistically and cognitively stimulating environments and overexposed to environmental toxins, including noise pollution. This kind of sensory impoverishment, we theorize, has extensive repercussions on how the brain processes sound. To characterize how this impoverishment affects auditory brain function, we compared two groups of normal-hearing human adolescents who attended the same schools and who were matched in age, sex, and ethnicity, but differed in their maternal education level, a correlate of socioeconomic status (SES). In addition to lower literacy levels and cognitive abilities, adolescents from lower maternal education backgrounds were found to have noisier neural activity than their classmates, as reflected by greater activity in the absence of auditory stimulation. Additionally, in the lower maternal education group, the neural response to speech was more erratic over repeated stimulation, with lower fidelity to the input signal. These weaker, more variable, and noisier responses are suggestive of an inefficient auditory system. By studying SES within a neuroscientific framework, we have the potential to expand our understanding of how experience molds the brain, in addition to informing intervention research aimed at closing the achievement gap between high-SES and low-SES children.
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Jung D, Bhattacharyya N. Association of Hearing Loss with Decreased Employment and Income among Adults in the United States. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2012; 121:771-5. [DOI: 10.1177/000348941212101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: We evaluated the association of hearing loss with employment and income in adults. Methods: Patients with a coded diagnosis of hearing loss were identified from the 2006 and 2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey linked household and medical conditions files and compared to patients without hearing loss. Differences in employment, wage income, and Supplemental Security Income were evaluated with multivariate regression models after adjustment for several demographic and Charlson comorbidity variables. Results: An estimated 933,921 ± 88,474 adults were identified with hearing loss (54.7% of whom were male; mean age for all, 51.0 years). Patients with hearing loss were more likely to be unemployed or partly unemployed than those without hearing loss (adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; p < 0.001). Similarly, adults with hearing loss were less likely to have any wage income than those without hearing loss (adjusted odds ratio, 2.5; p < 0.001). The population with hearing loss earned a mean wage of $23,481 ± $3,366, versus $31,272 ± $517 for the population without hearing loss (difference in wages, $7,791; p < 0.001). The association between hearing loss and receiving Supplemental Security Income was not significant (p = 0.109). Conclusions: Adults with hearing loss are more likely to be unemployed and on average earn significantly less wage income than adults without hearing loss. Further work is needed to determine the potential impact of treatment on these differences.
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Pierre PV, Fridberger A, Wikman A, Alexanderson K. Self-reported hearing difficulties, main income sources, and socio-economic status; a cross-sectional population-based study in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:874. [PMID: 23067045 PMCID: PMC3533986 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing difficulties constitute the most common cause of disability globally. Yet, studies on people with hearing difficulties regarding socio-economic status (SES), work, long-term unemployment, sickness absence, and disability pension are scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate the main income sources of men and women of working ages with and without self-reported hearing difficulties and associations with gender, age, SES, type of living area, and country of birth. METHODS A cross-sectional population-based study, using information on self-reported hearing difficulties and SES of 19 045 subjects aged 20-64 years participating in Statistics Sweden's annual Living Conditions Surveys in any of the years 2004 through 2008. The information was linked to a nationwide database containing data on demographics and income sources. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Hearing difficulties increased with age and were more common in men (age-adjusted OR: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.30-1.56)) with an overall prevalence of 13.1% in men and 9.8% in women. Using working men as reference, the OR of having hearing difficulties was 1.23 (0.94-1.60) in men with unemployment benefits and 1.36 (1.13-1.65) in men with sickness benefits or disability pension, when adjusting for age and SES. The corresponding figures in women were 1.59 (1.17-2.16) and 1.73 (1.46-2.06). The OR of having sickness benefits or disability pension in subjects with hearing difficulties was 1.36 (1.12-1.64) in men and 1.70 (1.43-2.01) in women, when adjusting for age and SES and using men and women with no hearing difficulties as reference. CONCLUSIONS Hearing difficulties were more prevalent in men. After adjustment with age and SES as well as with type of living area and country of birth, a significant association with unemployment benefits was found only in women, and the associations with long-term sickness absence and disability pension tended to be stronger in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Videhult Pierre
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hearing and Communication Research, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Fridberger
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hearing and Communication Research, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Wikman
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Alexanderson
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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The prevalence of hearing impairment and its burden on the quality of life among adults with Medicare Supplement Insurance. Qual Life Res 2011; 21:1135-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-011-0028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Zhan W, Cruickshanks KJ, Klein BEK, Klein R, Huang GH, Pankow JS, Gangnon RE, Tweed TS. Modifiable determinants of hearing impairment in adults. Prev Med 2011; 53:338-42. [PMID: 21871479 PMCID: PMC3208793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors contributing to the declining prevalence of hearing impairment in more recent generations. METHODS We used data on hearing thresholds and potential risk factors of hearing impairment collected from studies in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993-1995, n=3753; 1998-2000, n=2800 and 2003-2005, n=2395), the concurrent Beaver Dam Eye Study on the same cohort, and a subgroup (n=2173) of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (2005-2008). RESULTS Educational attainment significantly reduced the odds ratio (OR) of the birth cohort effect on hearing impairment from 0.90 to 0.93, while a history of ear infection had a reverse effect on the decreasing trend (significantly changing the OR from 0.93 to 0.94). Occupational noise exposure, smoking, and a history of cardiovascular disease, while associated with hearing impairment, did not attenuate the cohort effect. The cohort effect remained significant after known risk factors were adjusted (OR=0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.97). CONCLUSION These data provide strong evidence that environmental, lifestyle, or other modifiable factors contribute to the etiology of hearing impairment and add support to the idea that hearing impairment in adults may be prevented or delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihai Zhan
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA.
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Bainbridge KE, Hoffman HJ, Cowie CC. Risk factors for hearing impairment among U.S. adults with diabetes: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Diabetes Care 2011; 34:1540-5. [PMID: 21593298 PMCID: PMC3120175 DOI: 10.2337/dc10-2161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the risk factors of low/mid-frequency and high-frequency hearing impairment among a nationally representative sample of diabetic adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data came from 536 participants, aged 20-69 years, with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes who completed audiometric testing during 1999-2004 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We defined hearing impairment as the pure-tone average>25 dB hearing level of pure-tone thresholds at low/mid-frequencies (500; 1,000; and 2,000 Hz) and high frequencies (3,000; 4,000; 6,000; and 8,000 Hz) and identified independent risk factors using logistic regression. RESULTS Controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and marital status, odds ratios for associations with low/mid-frequency hearing impairment were 2.20 (95% CI 1.28-3.79) for HDL<40 mg/dL and 3.55 (1.57-8.03) for poor health. Controlling for age, race/ethnicity, sex, and income-to-poverty ratio, odds ratios for associations with high-frequency hearing impairment were 4.39 (1.26-15.26) for history of coronary heart disease and 4.42 (1.26-15.45) for peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS Low HDL, coronary heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, and having poor health are potentially preventable correlates of hearing impairment for people with diabetes. Glycemic control, years since diagnosis, and type of glycemic medication were not associated with hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Bainbridge
- Epidemiology and Statistics Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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