Introduction  The aging process causes changes in body structure in a continuous manner, and contributes to clinical disorders. Life expectancy is increasing, especially in developing countries. Objective  To assess the prevalence of hearing loss and its possible association with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the elderly. Methods  A cross-sectional study with 519 elderly individuals aged over 60 years who underwent an audiological evaluation (pure tone audiometry), and answered a comorbidity questionnaire that included questions about age, gender, tinnitus and medical history, with data concerning DM. The dependent variable was the presence of hearing loss. The independent variables were age, gender, DM and hypertension. The variables were presented in absolute numbers and proportions, and enabled us to estimate the prevalence. The statistical analysis was performed through multiple logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals and values of p  < 0.05 for the hearing loss and its associated factors. Results  A total of 519 subjects of both genders with a median age of 69 years were evaluated, and the individuals who did not attend the audiometric test were excluded from the study, so the final sample was composed of 498 subjects. Sensorineural hearing loss was more prevalent (66.26%) of most frequently with bilateral hearing loss of 91.56% and 26.50% with mild degree. The statistical analysis showed that the variable DM was associated with the high frequency of hearing loss in the elderly, and according to the multiple logistic regression, the risk factors are independent of the hearing loss only for age and exposure to occupational noise. Conclusions  There was a statistically significant difference between hearing loss at high frequencies and the risk factors, that is, age and DM.

Introduction  Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many aging-related symptoms. Studies suggest that physical activity may help to relieve tinnitus and headache. Objective  To investigate the presence of tinnitus and headache in elderly individuals by associating it with the lack of regular physical activity. Methods  A cross-sectional study including elderly individuals who live independently. The practice of physical activity and the complaints of headache and of tinnitus were checked by means of a questionnaire with objective questions. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and relative risk, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to determine how well each factor predicted headache while controlling for each of the other factors. Results  Based on a sample of 494 subjects, it was found that 213 (43.11%) complained of tinnitus. Among the complainants, 97 (45.53%) practiced physical activity regularly. We have confirmed associations between headache with lack of physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus ( p  = 0.0440). It was also observed that certain factors, such as male gender and tinnitus, are independent factors for the complaint of headache. Conclusion  We have found that headache could be a symptom related to the lack of regular physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus.

Introduction Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many age-related diseases and symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the possible association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and regular physical activity in elderly subjects. Methods This cross-sectional study included 491 elderly individuals who lived independently. Physical exercise was assessed through a questionnaire and BPPV by history and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Results The present study indicates no significant association between BPPV with lack of physical activity in men and in the total population. We have confirmed associations between BPPV with lack of physical activity in women (p = 0.01). Women with a sedentary lifestyle who do not practice physical activity are 2.62 more likely to have BPPV than those with regular physical activity. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of identifying risk factors for BPPV that can be modified through specific interventions. Regular physical activity is a lifestyle with potential to decrease the risk of vertigo in women.

Introduction Some studies have shown associations between sleep quality and dizziness. However, this association has not been investigated in teachers. Objective To verify a possible association between dizziness complaint and sleep quality in teachers. Methods Cross-sectional study developed with 96 school teachers (mean age of 47.8 ± 9.8 years). To assess dizziness, an audiological assessment was performed, which was the same one used in routine audiological care (Miller protocol). The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) was applied to those individuals who reported dizziness. To evaluated sleep quality, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index was used. Results The prevalence of dizziness was 22.9% (n = 22). Of these, 77.3% (n = 17) were women, 63.6% (n = 14) demonstrated poor sleep quality, and 54.5% (n = 12) were young adults (27–48 years). In the comparison between the dizziness and the control groups, no statistically significant differences were found (p> 0.05). The analysis adjusted for the confounding variables showed a difference for men in the sleep efficiency variable (p = 0.043); young adults showed a statistically significant difference in the total score (p = 0.021) and total sleep time (p = 0.029). There was a moderate correlation between DHI and total time in bed (p = 0.036, r = 0.497) and DHI and sleep efficiency (p = 0.014; r = -0.582). Conclusion Dizziness influences the quality of sleep in teachers, especially that of the youngest and male patients. There was a moderate correlation between total time in bed, sleep efficiency, and DHI, demonstrating that sleep quality should be considered an important factor in the assessment and rehabilitation process of dizziness.

Introduction Studies have found that elderly patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may present low levels of vitamin D (25 (OH) D), changes in bone mineral density, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective: To investigate the possible association between BPPV, bone mineral density, hypovitaminosis D, 25 (OH) D and DM. Methods The sample consisted of 109 elderly subjects. The BPPV was verified by a standardized questionnaire and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Blood samples were collected for the investigation of 25 (OH) D serum levels. The bone mineral density was evaluated by means of a densitometer. Diabetes mellitus verification was performed using a self-reported questionnaire. Results Of the 109 participants, 17 had BPPV. There was a statistically significant difference between BPPV and gender (p = 0.027, phi = 0.222), with female representing 88.2% of those with BPPV. In the group with BPPV, there was a statistically significant difference for the amount of vitamin D found (p = 0.001) and for age (p = 0.001). In the elderly group with DM and BPPV, a difference was found for the standard deviation of the femur (p = 0.022) with posthoc Dunn, identifying the difference between diabetics with and without BPPV (p = 0.047). Conclusion Although no association was found (25 (OH) D levels) with BPPV in the general population of this study, it was observed that there was an association with bone mineral density in the elderly group with DM and BPPV, and, in the group with BPPV, there was an association between the amount of vitamin D and age.

OBJETIVO: investigar a presença de queixa de vertigem em pacientes idosos associando-a a prática de atividade física regular. MÉTODOS: foi realizado um estudo transversal com inclusão de indivíduos idosos com vida independente. A prática de exercícios físicos foi verificada por meio da aplicação de um questionário com perguntas objetivas a respeito da pratica exercícios físicos e queixa de vertigem. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado e Risco Relativo. RESULTADOS: a amostra foi constituída por 494 indivíduos de 60 a 95 anos e pode-se verificar que houve a associação significante (p = 0,001) entre a falta de prática de atividade física regular e queixa de vertigem e que as pessoas que não praticam atividades físicas têm 2,38 mais chances de ter vertigem do que as que praticam atividades físicas regularmente. Há constatação da associação da vertigem e falta de prática de atividade física nesta população. Houve também associação entre a falta de atividade física regular e queixa de vertigem no gênero feminino, porém, não houve esta associação no gênero masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo a presença de queixa de vertigem foi menor nos idosos praticantes de atividade física regular.

O conceito mais amplo de saúde é o equilíbrio dinâmico, entre o organismo e seu ambiente, mantendo as características estruturais e funcionais do organismo nos limites considerados normais para o seu ciclo vital. Mas a definição de saúde requer outros pontos de vista: legal, social e econômico. Esta é definida pela Organização mundial de Saúde (OMS), como 'o estado de completo bem-estar físico, mental e social, e não apenas a ausência de doenças'. Ou seja, chegamos a uma questão simples, mas paradoxal: alguém no nosso país tem saúde? Parece-nos que, por melhor que sejam as condições de vida do indivíduo, é possível que ele não goze plenamente de saúde. Pois mesmo morando em uma mansão, mas se estiver psicologicamente abalado com a queda da Bolsa de Valores, não terá saúde. Assim, saúde aparenta ser um estado momentâneo e até mesmo fugaz. Então, devemos nos ater no prolongamento deste estado de saúde, pois nos parece impossível ter na prática saúde plena. Dito isso, é preciso incentivar estudos que tragam contribuições, por menores que sejam para a melhoria da qualidade de vida das pessoas. Deste modo, devemos focar nos pilares dessa saúde: a alimentação e a higiene, que pode prevenir doenças e agravos. Esta obra trás um pouco de algumas áreas das Ciências da Saúde, como amostra do quão complexo é essa área do conhecimento, principalmente quando aplicada à saúde humana.

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