Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Author Spotlight: Optimizing EAS with Long Electrodes for Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation
Published on: October 11, 2024
Association between self-reported hearing impairment and diabetes: a Brazilian population-based study: Association
M O Soares1, Nsx Oenning1, P K Ziegelmann1
1Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2400, 2° andar, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil.
Background:
Some studies have already explored the relationship between diabetes and hearing loss; however, this relationship has still not been well established, especially due to methodological limitations related to lack of control for confounders. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between self-reported hearing impairment and diabetes among adults in Brazil, controlling for sociodemographic and occupational exposure to ototoxic agents.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study based on data collected by the National Health Survey of 2013 in Brazil. A total of 60,202 individuals aged≥18 years were interviewed. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using the Poisson regression model with robust estimation of the variance. All analyzes were performed considering the appropriated weights imposed by the complex sample design.
Results:
Hearing loss prevalence was 2.56% (95%CI: 2.34-2.79). It was higher in males, older age groups, white and individuals with lower levels of schooling. Diabetes was positively and significantly associated with hearing loss in the crude analysis (PRcrude = 2.92; 95%CI: 2.75-3.11) and also in the analysis adjusted for gender, age, skin color, schooling, smoking, alcohol consumption and occupational exposure (PRadj = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.32-1.61).
Conclusions:
The present results suggest that individuals with diabetes have higher prevalence of hearing impairment. There is the need of longitudinal studies to investigate if diabetes is a risk factor to hearing impairment.
More Related Videos
14:05Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
06:48Lexical Decision Task for Studying Written Word Recognition in Adults with and without Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: June 25, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Hearing
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Associative Learning
Classical conditioning, also known...
Data Reporting and Recording