scholarly journals The inflammatory potential of the diet is prospectively associated with subjective hearing impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V A Andreeva ◽  
S Péneau ◽  
C Julia ◽  
N Shivappa ◽  
J R Hébert ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Age-related hearing loss is prevalent yet insufficiently addressed by public health research. Subjective hearing loss has been highlighted as a key determinant of reduced quality of life, while chronic low-grade inflammation is an established determinant of adverse age-related outcomes. To our knowledge, this study was the first to investigate the link between the inflammatory potential of the diet and hearing loss. Methods We prospectively studied 3,435 French adults enrolled in the SU.VI.MAX (1994-2002) and SU.VI.MAX 2 (2007-2009) cohorts. The inflammatory potential of the diet was estimated by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) using established methodology and repeated, baseline 24-h dietary records. Subjective hearing impairment was assessed after a median of 12 years by 3 Yes/No items and by a composite score, dichotomized for analyses. We fit multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for pertinent covariates. Results Compared to men, women exhibited higher DII (more pro-inflammatory diet) and less hearing impairment (both p < 0.0001). Given significant interaction results, sex-specific models were fit. Among men, a significant positive association between DII (continuous scale) and inability to follow a conversation in a noisy place was found (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.18), while the inverse association was seen among women (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87, 0.98). Regarding the need to turn up the volume on the television/radio, a significant positive association with DII (continuous scale) was found only among men (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.18). The only significant association with the composite score of subjective hearing loss was found among women, when modeling DII as quartiles (OR Q3 vs Q1=0.74; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.97). Conclusions The findings among men support the hypothesis that a pro-inflammatory diet could increase risk of age-related hearing loss, whereas the findings among women were unexpected and merit further investigation. Key messages Given rapid population aging worldwide, there is an urgent need for public health research on modifiable risk factors of hearing impairment. The role of diet in hearing impairment is complex and likely sex-specific; a pro-inflammatory diet might be a risk factor for hearing impairment, especially among men.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 436-436
Author(s):  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Bonnielin Swenor ◽  
Nicholas Reed ◽  
Emmanuel Garcia Morales

Abstract Age-related hearing loss (HL) and dementia are common among older adults. The implications of caregiving for older adults with dementia is documented. Whether the presence of HL modifies these association is unknown. We used data from the 2011 NHATS/NSOC. Hearing loss and dementia were identified among care recipients (CR). Our outcomes included: hours of care provided, and caregiver’s work activities. Among 1,013 caregivers, 456 assisted individuals without HL or dementia (HL-/D-), 229 with dementia (D+), 193 with HL, and 135 with HL and dementia (HL+/D+). In fully adjusted models, as compared to caregivers of HL-/D-, caregivers of D+ spent 39.1 hours more (95% CI: 13.6,64.6) in caregiving, caregivers of HL+/D+ spent 56.6 more hours (95% CI: 25.1,88.1). We found no differences in work activities between CR groups. The presence of HL increases the caregiving needs of adults with dementia. The additional time does not affect the labor participation of caregivers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn McCarthy ◽  
Cathy Ure ◽  
Penny A Cook

UNSTRUCTURED Abstract Social media plays an increasing role in the dissemination of public health research. For public health research projects, a Twitter account holds the potential to disseminate research outcomes to other public health academics, professionals and policymakers. Aims The study examined users’ interactions with the Twitter account of a single research project. Specifically, it (i) measured the relationship between tweet content, using a tweet content score (TCS), and tweet success measured in engagements and impressions; and (ii) explored in depth, the motivations, opinions and experiences of public health academics and professionals using the micro blogging platform Twitter. Methods All Twitter Analytics data for the identified account were retrieved (n= 119 tweets) and the relationship between tweet content and success analysed. Seven stakeholders participated in semi-structured interviews to explore attitudes and motivations around engagement with Twitter. Results A positive correlation between TCS and tweet success was found. Tweets containing at least one mention had significantly greater impressions (551.48 compared to 232.00) and engagements (10.65 compared to 4.42). Tweets containing an image had a significant increase in engagements (13.13 compared to 8.29) but no effect on impressions. Qualitative analysis of the interview data revealed the importance of topic, positivity, and instruction in tweet content. Concerns with platform use related to legitimacy, negative experiences and lack of user confidence. Conclusions The study supports previous research findings. Twitter is a useful tool for public health dissemination and a positive association between TCS and tweet success exists. It is hoped that the findings of this research may be of use to other public health projects using Twitter for dissemination and impact.


2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 38-44
Author(s):  
Luis Roque Reis ◽  
Pedro Escada

Introduction: Evidence regarding the effect of speechreading is lacking in age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). Thus, in individuals with presbycusis, this study determined whether speechreading would improve word intelligibility. Moreover, the study investigated the effect of speechreading on word intelligibility depending on hearing impairment severity. Materials and methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study involved two groups of individuals aged > 65 years that were enrolled by convenience sampling: 29 individuals with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss compatible with presbycusis (n=58 ears; mean age, 74.1±9.4 years) and 10 controls with at-most-mild hearing loss (n=58 ears; mean age, 73.8±8.5 years). All participants underwent a comprehensive medical and audiological evaluation, which included speech audiometry with and without observation of the audiologist’s face, i.e. speechreading. Within each group, the effect of speechreading was determined as a change in the speech reception threshold. For all statistical analyses, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Both in individuals with presbycusis and controls, speechreading significantly improved speech discrimination (p<.001<.05); however, compared to controls, this effect of speechreading on speech discrimination was more pronounced in individuals with presbycusis (p<.001). Discussion: Individuals with presbycusis or hearing impairment displayed improved spoken-word intelligibility when spoken-word recognition was coupled with speechreading. Thus, speechreading may serve as a “third ear”.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243001
Author(s):  
Subin Kim ◽  
Jung Mee Park ◽  
Jae Sang Han ◽  
Jae Hyun Seo ◽  
Kyung-Do Han ◽  
...  

Objectives Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is a chronic disorder characterized by impairment of the transduction of acoustic signals. This study analysed the prevalence and demographic characteristics of ARHL in the Korean population. Methods We used the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2009 to 2012 and analysed the association between age and hearing impairment. A total of 16,799 adults were selected for the current study. Physical examinations, blood tests, otoscopic examinations, and hearing tests were performed. The demographic variables included age, gender, obesity, economic status, education level, noise exposure history, and underlying diseases. Results Among 16,799 participants, the prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 8% (1,349 people), and bilateral hearing loss was 5.9% (989 people). Men were 53.4% more likely to have hearing loss than women. Age and underlying diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, and abdominal obesity, were significantly associated with hearing loss (P < 0.0001). Further, mental health factors, such as cognitive function, depression, and suicidal ideation, were related to hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increased with advancing years, especially in the high frequency of 6 kHz, with a sharply increase in patients aged 65 and over. Conclusion The analysis of auditory performance in the Korean population confirmed the association of high-frequency hearing loss with advancing age. A threshold of 6 kHz should be included to correctly diagnose hearing impairment in elderly patients. Patients with ARHL should be provided with suitable aural rehabilitation that includes active high-frequency control.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Dong-Wook Kim ◽  
Tae-Young Lee ◽  
Da-Hye Choi ◽  
Taek-Yeong Kim ◽  
Hyun-Chul Moon

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