Risk Factors For Hearing Impairment Research Articles

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Diagnostics of Hearing Impairment in Preterm Infants

Introduction: The preterm birth is clearly associated with increased risk of developing congenital hearing impairment. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the postnatal control of auditory function in all preterm infants. The present work investigates if the latest scientific findings regarding prevalence, clinical diagnostics, therapy and risk factors of hearing impairment in premature infants are regularly implemented in daily practice. Methods: At the department of phoniatrics and pediatric audiology of the University Hospital of Magdeburg, the treatment data of 126 preterm children born between 2006 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The additional analysis of all records available at the screening center (n=67 640) covering this period enables drawing conclusions on the total number and prevalence of hearing impairment in preterm infants in Saxony-Anhalt. Results: Almost all premature babies, like mature newborns, underwent postnatal hearing screening of both ears. The data analysis shows that the practical implementation often does not comply with the guideline of the G-BA (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss) in all details. For example, the recommended screening method for preterm infants (AABR) or the screening and treatment timing are not always applied in accordance with the guidelines of the G-BA. Discussion: Assessment of the practical implementation of universal newborn hearing screening was planned at the time of the introduction of the hearing screening program by the G-BA. As a part of this investigation, the practical care of vulnerable groups such as preterm infants must be given special attention. Based on the collected data, the diagnostics and therapy should be unified. Regardless of the maternity clinic where the infants were born, there should be the same opportunity for early diagnosis and thus for prognostically better treatment of congenital hearing impairment. Rapid postnatal fitting with hearing aid can stimulate the maturation of the central auditory system and potentially help to avoid problems of hearing and speech development.

Hearing loss among high-risk newborns admitted to a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Purpose: The aim of this work is to identify the most significant risk factors for hearing impairment in high risk neonates hospitalized at our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to assess the sensitivity of hearing screening tests.Methods: This study involved 260 neonates admitted to a tertiary NICU; they were classified into two groups; 150 preterm and 110 full terms with risk factors for hearing loss. The hearing screening tests performed were transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR).Results: Forty-eight preterm neonates (32%) and 30 full term neonates (27.3%) had pathological AABR. In preterm group, mechanical ventilation more than five days, sepsis, usage of aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, vancomycin alone or in combination with aminoglycosides and prolonged duration of admission were considered risk factors of hearing affection whereas in full term group mechanical ventilation more than five days was the risk factor of hearing affection (p<.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing loss is highest among high risk neonates and TEOAE and AABR were found to be reliable screening tools. Use of ototoxic drugs and mechanical ventilation for more than five days were significant risk factors for hearing loss in our study population.

Risk Factors of Hearing Impairment among Lower Primary School Children in Port Harcourt

Risk Factors of Hearing Impairment among Lower Primary School Children in Port Harcourt

Audiological screening of high risk infants and prevalence of risk factors

Background: Hearing loss in early life can have deleterious effects on child’s psychosocial, scholastic and social-emotional development. Early identification and timely intervention can provide the child with better speech and language development. This study has been done to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment among high risk infants as per Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) criteria and to study the risk factors associated with neonatal hearing impairment.Methods: This multicentric observational study was conducted among 613 high risk infants admitted and discharged from neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of Academy of Medical Sciences, Kannur, Kerala and Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Research Centre, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India (level III neonatology units with an NICU admissions of average around 1200 per year), during the period August 2015 - August 2016 (12 months). The babies were selected based on the JCIH 2007 criteria. All babies were subjected to behavioral audiometry (BA) and Oto Acoustic Emissions (OAE), preferably within 3 weeks. Those failing OAE were reevaluated at 6th week and with Auditory brain stem response (ABR) within 3 months time. Results: A total of 613 high risk babies were screened. 42 (6.76%) among them were having hearing impairment. The most common risk factors associated with hearing impairment was NICU stay for more than 24 hours, prematurity, low birth weight and meningitis/sepsis etc.Conclusions: Hearing impairment among high risk babies is not a rare condition. In our study, the prevalence was 6.76%. Low birth weight, admission to NICU for more than 24 hours, low APGAR, meningitis/sepsis, maternal and neonatal complications are significant risk factors for hearing impairment among neonates. This highlights the need for neonatal screening. Though we recommend a universal screening program, at least a targeted approach should be practiced in neonatal care. Those babies who are found to have hearing impairment should be closely followed up with early intervention and rehabilitation.

Prevalence and Social Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment in Chinese Children—A National Survey

Hearing impairment may affect children’s communication skills, social development, and educational achievement. Little is known about the prevalence of hearing impairment among Chinese children. Data were taken from the 2006 second China National Survey on Disability (CNSD). Hearing impairment was defined as moderate (41–60 dB HL), severe (61–80 dB HL), profound (81–90 dB HL), or complete (>91 dB HL). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A weighted number of 567,915 hearing impairment children were identified, yielding a prevalence of 17.49 per 10,000 people (95% CI: 16.90–18.08), with prevention or treatment options possible for 64.6% of hearing impairment children. The main causes of hearing impairment were hereditary, tympanitis, and drug intoxication. Illiteracy in one or both parents (mother: OR = 1.388, 95% CI: 1.125–1.714, p < 0.0001; father: OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.152–2.049, p < 0.0001 relative to no school or primary school), annual family income lower than national average (OR = 1.323, 95% CI: 1.044–1.675, p = 0.0203, relative to higher than national average), household size larger than three people (OR = 1.432, 95% CI: 1.164–1.762, p = 0.0007, relative to smaller than three people) and single-mother family (OR = 2.056, 95% CI: 1.390–3.042, p = 0.0176, relative to intact family) were the independence risk factors for hearing impairment among Chinese children. Lower annual family income, male children, larger household size, single-mother family, and lower levels of maternal and paternal education were independent risk factors for hearing impairment for Chinese children. Further studies on hearing impairment prevention and the relationship between parental social factors and the risk of hearing impairment are needed.

Neonatal screening for hearing loss and its risk factors at a tertiary hospital; A : Prospective Cross sectional study.

Background Hearing loss is one of the commonest childhood disabilities with a huge burden in developing countries like India. Detecting and rehabilitating neonates with hearing impairment is a healthcare priority. Prevalence of hearing impairment among neonates is high. Early identification and early rehabilitation is the key in addressing this disability. Behavioral observation audiometry is a dependable screening tool compared to Auditory Brainstem Response.Objectives 1. To screen neonates for hearing impairment using behavioral observation audiometry 2.To confirm hearing impairment using Auditory Brainstem Response among screen positive neonatesMethodology A cross sectional study was conducted among 160 randomly selected neonates. A questionnaire was administered followed by free field testing of Behavioral Observation Audiometry was done on all neonates. Risk factors for neonatal hearing loss was assessed among all neonates.Results The prevalence of hearing impairment on screening with BOA was found to be 2.5 . Risk factors for hearing impairment are more prevalent in our study. 27.5 of the neonates were born preterm being the most common risk factor followed by hyperbilirubinaemia 21.9 low birth weight 13.13 NICU admissions 9.4 and vaginal discharge in mothers during antenatal period being 6.9.Conclusions Prevalence of hearing impairment among newborns and its risk factors are high among normal newborns. Hence there is a need for a routine neonatal hearing screening program.

Prevalence and independent risk factors for hearing impairment among very low birth weight infants

BackgroundAlthough we've made big strides in perinatal and neonatal care, auditory handicap remains a serious complication in those who were born very premature. ObjectivesThe aim was to determine the prevalence and analyze possible risk factors of hearing impairment in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study by reviewing medical records of all VLBW infants (BW ≤ 1500 g) admitted to NICU of Chang Gung Children's Hospital over 2 years period from Jan. 2010 to 2011. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) hearing screening was performed at 3 months postnatal corrective age and repeated if failed the 1st time, then refer to ENT doctor if BAEP confirmed abnormal. All VLBW infants examined for hearing impairment were included and data were retrieved retrospectively and analyzed for neonatal risk factors using logistic regression. ResultsOver the period, 309 VLBW infants were screened. Prevalence of uni- or bilateral hearing impairment was 3.9% (12/309; 95% CI 2.6–4.1). The mean corrective age on diagnosed of hearing impairment was 2.9 ± 1.1 (range 1–5) months. Mean gestational age was 27.9 weeks (SD 1.4) and mean birth weight was 1028 g (SD 180). By univariant analysis for hearing impairment, severe birth asphyxia, craniofacial anomalies, ventilator dependence, patent ductus arteriosus ligation, and use of postnatal ototoxins yielded good prediction of hearing impairment in this population. However, using multivariate analysis revealed that the only independent risk factors for hearing impairment were ototoxins (OR: 3.62; CI: 1.67–7.82), PDA ligation (OR: 4.96; CI: 2.34–10.52), craniofacial anomalies (OR: 3.42; CI: 1.70–6.88)and assisted prolonged use of oxygen at gestational age of >36 weeks (OR: 5.94; CI: 2.61–13.54). ConclusionThe incidence of hearing impairment among VLBW infants was 3.9%. Prolonged supplemental oxygen use is a marker for predicting hearing impairment; this requires detailed analysis of the pathophysiologic features, to reduce the prevalence of hearing impairment.

Prospective study for newborn hearing screening-A experience from tertiary care centre in central India

Background: It is crucial to timely diagnose hearing impairments in infants as early intervention can lead to decrease in morbidity and better prognosis. This study was conducted as an attempt to find the incidence of hearing loss among high risk neonates, normal neonates and associated risk factor that can impair hearing in newborn. Aims & Objective: Screening of normal newborn delivered in our hospital to assess hearing. Material & methods: It was a descriptive study. A total no. of 1052 babies delivered in our hospital were screened for hearing assessment by 2 staged OAE screening and those who failed the second stage OAE were subjected to diagnostic Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry. The data was analyzed and results were compiled. These results were compared with other studies to identify the most likely risk factor associated with childhood hearing impairment. Results: Among 1052 babies, 254 babies had risk factors for hearing impairment and 20 babies (7.8%) showed hearing impairment, while out of 798 patients without risk factors 9 babies (1.12%) showed hearing impairment. Conclusion: OAE can be used as a neonatal screening tool as well as for the evaluation of a suspected pediatric population to help diagnose childhood hearing impairment at a very early stage, allowing for the rehabilitation the child within the critical period for speech and language development.

Risk factors for hearing impairment among adults with diabetes: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

AimThe aim was to examine risk factors for hearing impairment among Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes. MethodsFindings are based on 3384 participants aged 18–76 years with diagnosed or previously undetected diabetes who completed audiometric testing as part of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. We defined hearing impairment as the pure-tone average (PTA) >25 decibels hearing level [dB HL] of pure-tone thresholds at high frequencies (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) in the worse ear and defined a second hearing impairment outcome with the additional requirement of PTA >25 dB HL of low/mid-frequency (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) thresholds in the worse ear. We identified independent associations using logistic regression. ResultsControlling for age and Hispanic/Latino background, prevalence ratios for hearing impairment in the high plus low/mid frequencies were 1.35 (95% CI 1.07, 1.71) for current smoking, 1.64 (1.14, 2.38) for alcohol consumption (≥14 drinks/week for men or ≥ 7 drinks/week for women), and 1.29 (1.06, 1.56) for triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL. For high-frequency only hearing impairment, the prevalence ratio for estimated glomerular filtration rate 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 1.23 (1.03, 1.47) adjusted for age and sex. People with family income less than $20,000 had almost twice the prevalence of hearing impairment (PR = 1.93 (1.34, 2.78)) as people with income over $40,000. ConclusionsCurrent smoking, alcohol consumption, high triglycerides, and chronic kidney disease are potentially preventable correlates of hearing impairment for persons with diabetes. Low income is a marker of increased likelihood of hearing impairment.

Follow-Up Results of Newborns after Hearing Screening at a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey.

This study aimed to present the follow-up results of newborns after universal newborn hearing screening at a Training and Research Hospital in İstanbul and to determine the ages of diagnosis, hearing aid fitting, and cochlear implantation in newborns with hearing loss. A total of 5985 newborns were screened between December 2009 and August 2011 using the transient evoked otoacoustic emission test as the first two steps and automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) test as the third step. Newborns who failed the screening tests were referred to a tertiary hospital for clinic ABR and were followed up at least for 2 years. Of 5985 newborns, 5116 (85.5%) completed the screening. Of 53 newborns who were referred to a tertiary hospital, 13 (0.25%) had a hearing impairment. The mean age of diagnosis, hearing aid fitting, and cochlear implantation were 6.1, 9.5, and 24.5 months, respectively. Among the risk factors for hearing impairment, neonatal intensive care (60%) and consanguineous marriage (50%) were the most common ones that were encountered. Our results were consistent with the national literature. Consanguineous marriage may be a risk factor for hearing impairment where it is commonly practiced because consanguineous marriage is significantly high in parents of deaf children. The ages of diagnosis and hearing aid fitting are still beyond the recommended ages by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing.

Lowest Oxyhemoglobin Saturation May Be an Independent Factor Influencing Auditory Function in Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The aims of this study were to determine if a correlation exists between the level of hypoxia induced by severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the level of auditory dysfunction when verifying such a relationship using polysomnography (PSG). A retrospective review of 41 patients with severe OSAS was performed. Independent risk factors for hearing impairment included parameters of PSG, which were analyzed in two hearing groups at a level ≥ 40 decibels (dB). Oxyhemoglobin saturation, especially the lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation level, showed lower thresholds in the hearing impairment group than in the control group (p = 0.039 at NREM stage; p = 0.029 at REM stage; p = 0.001 at total sleep stage). After adjusting for other risk factors, the sole variable that remained significant was lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (total; p = 0.046). In the correlation analysis, a decreasing lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (from all subjects, n = 41) correlated with a greater mean hearing threshold (R(2) = 0.297; p < 0.001). Our results indicated that lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation in PSG is the only variable correlated with the hearing threshold. This finding could be predictive of possible hearing alternation in patients with severe OSAS. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 641.

Sleep Apnea Is Associated with Hearing Impairment: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Sleep apnea (SA) may promote hearing impairment (HI) through ischemia and inflammation of the cochlea. Our objective was to assess an independent association between SA and HI in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) participants. We used data from the HCHS/SOL, a multicenter population-based study of self- identifying Hispanic/Latinos 18- to 74-y-old adults from four US urban communities. We performed home SA testing and in-clinic audiometry testing in all participants. SA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 events/h. HI was defined as a mean hearing threshold > 25 dB hearing level in either ear at the frequencies: 3,000 to 8,000 Hz for high-frequency HI (HF-HI) and 500 to 2,000 Hz for low-frequency HI (LF-HI). Combined-frequency HI (CF-HI) was defined as both conditions present, and Any-HI was considered as HI in either low or high frequencies. Of 13,967 participants, 9.9% had SA and 32.3% had Any-HI. Adjusted for risk factors for HI, those with SA had a 30% higher odds of Any-HI (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8% to 57%), 26% higher odds of HF-HI (CI = 3% to 55%), 127% higher odds of LF-HI (CI = 21% to 326%), and 29% higher odds of CF-HI (CI = 0% to 65%). A dose-response association was observed between AHI severity and Any-HI (versus no SA, OR for AHI ≥ 15 and < 30 = 1.22, CI = 0.96 to 1.54, and OR for AHI ≥ 30 = 1.46, CI = 1.11 to 1.91, p = 0.002). SA is associated with HF-HI and LF-HI, independent of snoring and other confounders. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 641.

Association of hearing impairment with insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and impaired fasting glucose before onset of diabetes.

Diabetes is a known risk factor for hearing impairment. No study regarding the association of insulin resistance (IR), β-cell dysfunction and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) with hearing impairment has been reported in the population without diabetes. We examined these associations using a representative sample of the Korean population. Participants included 1589 males and 2496 females, who were ≥ 20 years of age and without diabetes from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys of the Korean population (2010). Audiometric tests and laboratory examinations were performed. Homeostasis model assessments of IR and β-cell function (HOMA-IR and HOMA-β) were calculated. The prevalence of both high- and low-/mid-frequency hearing impairment among subjects with IFG was higher compared with those with normal glycaemia (42.2% vs. 24.5%, 14.7% vs. 7.8%, respectively). After adjustment for age, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β showed significant association with high-frequency hearing impairment in males. In the multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for confounding variables, the presence of IFG, higher HOMA-IR and lower HOMA-β remained as independent risk factors for high-frequency mild hearing impairment in males < 70 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.441, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.056 to 1.967; OR, 1.448, 95% CI, 1.039 to 2.101; and OR, 0.447, 95% CI, 0.274 to 0.729, P < 0.05, respectively). IR, β-cell dysfunction and IFG are associated with high-frequency mild hearing impairment in the male population < 70 years before the onset of diabetes.

Risk factors for hearing impairment induced by cytomegalovirus infection

To investigate the risk factors for hearing impairment induced by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in children. One hundred and fifty-eight children diagnosed with CMV infection were enrolled as subjects. Based on the results of the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) test, patients were classified into normal hearing group (n=117; BAEP≤35) and abnormal hearing group (n=41; BAEP>35). A retrospective analysis was performed on the general information, routine blood indices, liver function, copy number of CMV-DNA in urine and breast milk. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to predict the copy number of CMV-DNA resulting in abnormal BAEP. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to test the correlations of the copy number of CMV-DNA in urine with the degree of hearing impairment and platelet count. The incidence rates of platelet abnormality and abnormal liver function and the copy number of CMV-DNA in urine were significantly higher in the abnormal hearing group than in the normal hearing group (P<0.01). According to the ROC curve, the copy number of CMV-DNA in urine had a sensitivity of 46.3% and a specificity of 93.2% in predicting hearing impairment when it reached 1.415×10(6) per mL. The results of correlation analysis showed that the degree of hearing impairment was positively correlated with the copy number of CMV-DNA (r=0.382, P<0.01); the platelet count was negatively correlated with the copy number of CMV-DNA in urine (r=-0.233, P=0.003). An increased copy number of CMV-DNA in urine might be a risk factor for hearing impairment induced by CMV infection. Children are likely to have hearing impairment when the copy number of CMV-DNA reaches 1.415×10(6) per mL. The monitoring of hearing should be strengthened in CMV-infected children with a decreased platelet count.

Incidence of risk factors for hearing impairment in premature babies

According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of hearing impairment in newborn population is 1-3 per 1000 (WHO, 2012). Apart from that, many authors have found that the incidence of hearing impairment is twenty times higher, 2-4%, in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Thus, a congenital hearing loss is the most frequent sensory or motor deficit that could be diagnosed immediately upon birth. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of risk factors for hearing impairment in the population of preterm babies. We were especially interested in the impact of gestational age at birth on the incidence of risk factors for hearing loss. A cohort of 150 preterm babies was enrolled in the study. They were hospitalized in the Institute for Neonatology in Belgrade during 2014 and 2015 and the data were obtained from their medical files. The results of this study indicate high incidence of risk factors for hearing impairment in this population of babies. Gestational age at birth had a strong, statistically significant, correlation with risk factor incidence in lower gestational age and vice versa. High incidence of risk factors and their interaction could account for twenty times higher occurrence of congenital and early acquired hearing loss in population of preterm babies compared to term neonates. These results imply the need for systematic audiological surveillance of prematurely born babies at least until 12 months of corrected age.

Metabolic Syndrome Is not an Independent Risk Factor for Hearing Impairment.

We aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and hearing impairment (HI) using nationally representative data from Korean adults. A total of 16,799 subjects (≥19 years old; 7,170 men and 9,629 women) who underwent pure tone audiometry testing were included in the analysis. Data were obtained from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2012). Subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence of MS. Among the subjects with MS, 47% had HI. Logistic regression analysis revealed that MS was not an independent risk factor for HI, although increased fasting plasma glucose (OR 1·4, 95% CI: 1·1-1·8) was independently associated with HI. In addition, older age, male sex, very low body mass index (≤17·5 kg/m2), lower education level, smoking history, and occupational noise exposure were independently associated with HI. For low-frequency HI, independent risk factors included older age, lower educational level, lower economic status, and very low BMI (≤17·5 kg/m2). For high-frequency HI, independent risk factors included older age, male sex, lower educational level, lower economic status, increased blood pressure, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and smoking history. MS itself was not an independent risk factor for HI, and, among the individual metabolic components, only increased fasting plasma glucose was independently associated with HI.

Maternal Occupational Exposure to Noise during Pregnancy and Hearing Dysfunction in Children: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study in Sweden.

Background:Many women of childbearing age are occupationally active, which leads to a large number of pregnancies potentially exposed to occupational exposures. Occupational noise has been identified as a risk factor for hearing impairment in adults. However, very few studies have assessed the effect of occupational noise on the fetus.Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate whether occupational exposure to noise during pregnancy is associated with hearing dysfunction in children.Methods:This population based cohort study included 1,422,333 single births in Sweden 1986–2008. Data on mothers’ occupation, smoking habits, age, ethnicity, body mass index, leave of absence, and socioeconomic factors were obtained from interviews performed by prenatal care unit staff at approximately 10 weeks of gestation and from national registers. Occupational noise exposure was classified by a job–exposure-matrix as < 75, 75–84, or ≥ 85 dBLAeq,8h. Diagnosed cases of hearing dysfunction (ICD-10 codes H90.3-7, 91.0, 91.2-3, 91.8, 93.1-2) were identified from a register of specialized medical care. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations.Results:In the full sample, containing a mixture of part-time and full-time workers during pregnancy, the adjusted HR for hearing dysfunction associated with maternal occupational noise exposure ≥ 85 vs. < 75 dBLAeq,8h was 1.27 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.64; 60 exposed cases). When restricted to children whose mothers worked full-time and had < 20 days leave of absence during pregnancy, the corresponding HR was 1.82 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.08; 14 exposed cases).Conclusions:This study showed an association between occupational noise exposure during pregnancy and hearing dysfunction in children. In view of mechanistic evidence and earlier indicative epidemiological and experimental findings, the results support that pregnant women should not be exposed to high levels of noise at work.Citation:Selander J, Albin M, Rosenhall U, Rylander L, Lewné M, Gustavsson P. 2016. Maternal occupational exposure to noise during pregnancy and hearing dysfunction in children: a nationwide prospective cohort study in Sweden. Environ Health Perspect 124:855–860; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509874

Comparison of Various Anthropometric Indices as Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment in Asian Women

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to examine the associations between various anthropometric measures and metabolic syndrome and hearing impairment in Asian women.MethodsWe identified 11,755 women who underwent voluntary routine health checkups at Yeungnam University Hospital between June 2008 and April 2014. Among these patients, 2,485 participants were <40 years old, and 1,072 participants lacked information regarding their laboratory findings or hearing and were therefore excluded. In total 8,198 participants were recruited into our study.ResultsThe AUROC value for metabolic syndrome was 0.790 for the waist to hip ratio (WHR). The cutoff value was 0.939. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting metabolic syndrome were 72.7% and 71.7%, respectively. The AUROC value for hearing loss was 0.758 for WHR. The cutoff value was 0.932. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting hearing loss were 65.8% and 73.4%, respectively. The WHR had the highest AUC and was the best predictor of metabolic syndrome and hearing loss. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that WHR levels were positively associated with four hearing thresholds including averaged hearing threshold and low, middle, and high frequency thresholds. In addition, multivariate logistic analysis revealed that those with a high WHR had a 1.347–fold increased risk of hearing loss compared with the participants with a low WHR.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that WHR may be a surrogate marker for predicting the risk of hearing loss resulting from metabolic syndrome.

Assessment of Hearing Impairment in School Children of Rural area in Jamalpur

The cross sectional study was done too measure prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) in school children living in poverty area of Bangladesh and to identify risk factors for HI and assess its impact on academic performance. The study was conducted on 325 school children (aged 6-19 years) of Digpait D.K high school, Jamalpur, from January 2013 to July 2013. Audiological health was assessed with pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and otoscopy. The primary outcome was HI, defined as average threshold &gt;25 dB HL for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, in one or both ears (a s per World Health Organization/International Organization for Standardization). A questionnaire on health history was administered to parents. HI prevalence: 6.9 percent, risk factors for HI: neonatal jaundice (8.0) seizure (7. 31), hospitalization (15.3), recurrent otitis media (13), past otorrhea (13.7), tympanic membrane abnormality (14.8), cerumen impaction (6.3) and eustachian tube dysfunction (8.67). HI was an independent predictor of academic failure (3.36). impoverished Bangladesh school children were four to seven times more likely to experience HI than children living in higher-income countries. Untreated middle ear disease in the context of limited access to pediatric care was a major risk factor for HI. Furthermore, HI was associated with worse scholastic achievement.

Hearing impairment among adults: The impact of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors

Objective: To investigate the influence of cardiovascular diseases on hearing impairment (HI) among adults. Furthermore, to seek other potential risk factors for HI, such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic class. Design: A cross-sectional, unscreened, population-based, epidemiological study among adults. Study sample: The subjects (n = 850), aged 54–66 years, were randomly sampled from the population register. A questionnaire survey, an otological examination, and pure-tone audiometry were performed. Results: Cardiovascular diseases did not increase the risk for HI in a propensity-score adjusted logistic regression model: OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.96 for HI defined by better ear hearing level (BEHL), and OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.28 for HI defined by worse ear hearing level (WEHL), in the 0.5–4 kHz frequency range. Heavy smoking is a risk factor for HI among men (BEHL: OR 1.96, WEHL: OR 1.88) and women (WEHL: OR 2.4). Among men, obesity (BEHL, OR 1.85) and lower socioeconomic class (BEHL: OR 2.79, WEHL: OR 2.28) are also risk factors for HI. Conclusion: No significant association between cardiovascular disease and HI was found.