Subclinical atherosclerosis and increased risk of hearing impairment

Abstract

Objective The study’s purpose was to test if subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with the risk of developing HI in a large cohort of middle-aged participants. Methods Study subjects were members of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS), a longitudinal study of adult children of participants in the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993-present). BOSS examinations took place in 2005–2008 (baseline) and 2010–2013 (5-year follow-up). The 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz > 25 decibels Hearing Level (dB HL) in either ear at follow-up among participants at risk (baseline PTA in both ears < = 25 dB HL; n=2,436, mean age = 47.7 years). Atherosclerosis was measured as the mean carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of carotid artery plaque. Results Among the 1,984 participants at-risk with a follow-up audiometric examination, the 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was 8.3% (95% Confidence Interval (C.I.) 7.1, 9.5). With multivariable adjustment, carotid intima-media thickness was positively associated with hearing impairment incidence (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.18 per 0.1 mm, 95% C.I. 1.05, 1.32). The number of sites (0–6) with plaque was also positively associated with the incidence of impairment (OR = 1.19 per site, 95% C.I. 1.01, 1.41). Conclusion Atherosclerosis was associated with the 5-year incidence of hearing impairment in this predominantly middle-aged cohort. Interventions targeting atherosclerosis prevention may help to prevent or delay the onset of hearing impairment.

Age‐Related Sensory Impairments and Risk of Cognitive Impairment

“…For example, early ecological studies suggested an association between CVD and hearing loss, and subsequent cross‐sectional and prospective studies observed similar findings for CVD, atherosclerotic and microvascular changes, and CVD risk factors . In a recent investigation, a significant association between subclinical atherosclerosis, measured as carotid IMT and plaque, and 5‐year incidence of hearing impairment was reported . Therefore, there is evidence that vascular changes may be associated with both sensory and cognitive health.…”

“…Many reports have described an association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related risk factors and cognitive decline and impairment . Cardiovascular‐related factors and conditions have also been found to be related to hearing, vision, and olfaction . For example, early ecological studies suggested an association between CVD and hearing loss, and subsequent cross‐sectional and prospective studies observed similar findings for CVD, atherosclerotic and microvascular changes, and CVD risk factors .…”

“…[34][35][36][37][38] Cardiovascular-related factors and conditions have also been found to be related to hearing, vision, and olfaction. 18,19,[39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] For example, early ecological studies suggested an association between CVD and hearing loss, and subsequent crosssectional and prospective studies observed similar findings for CVD, atherosclerotic and microvascular changes, and CVD risk factors. 18,19,39,40,42,44,45 In a recent investigation, a significant association between subclinical atherosclerosis, measured as carotid IMT and plaque, and 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was reported.…”

“…18,19,39,40,42,44,45 In a recent investigation, a significant association between subclinical atherosclerosis, measured as carotid IMT and plaque, and 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was reported. 45 Therefore, there is evidence that vascular changes may be associated with both sensory and cognitive health. In the present study, there was only slight attenuation of the estimated risks of cognitive impairment after further adjustment for CVD-related factors and conditions, including a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis.…”

Audiometric analysis of type and degree of hearing impairment and its demographic correlation: A retrospective study

“…Systemic causes like atherosclerosis or Diabetes mellitus are more common which lead to bilateral loss rather than unilateral loss. [12][13][14][15][16] Among the type of hearing impairment, SNHL was seen in 66.5% cases followed by mixed type (15.9%). Conductive type of hearing loss was seen in 13.5% cases.…”