Hearing loss, sick leave, and disability pension: findings from the HUNT follow-up study

Evidence on the association between hearing loss and sick leave or disability pension is to a great extent based on few cross-sectional studies and remains unclear. We aim to assess the associations in a long-term follow-up population study.

We used baseline data from a large population-based hearing study in Norway, the HUNT Hearing study (1996-1998). The sample included 21 754 adults (48.5% men, mean age at baseline 36.6 years). We used register data on sick leave and disability pension (1996-2011). Cox regression was used to assess the association between hearing loss at baseline (Pure tone average/PTA 0.5-4 kHz > 20 dB) and time to first physician-certified sick leave episode, as well as time to first disability pension payment.

Hearing loss at baseline (yes/no) was weakly associated with time to first physician-certified sick leave episode: Hazard ratio (HR) 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.3). Restricting the exposed group to people with both hearing loss and tinnitus, the HR was slightly increased: 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.6). Hearing loss in 1996-1998 was also associated with time to first received disability pension: HR 1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.8). Stronger associations were found for disabling hearing loss (PTA > 35). Restricting the exposure to hearing loss and tinnitus, the HR was increased: 2.0 (95% CI 1.4-2.8).

This large population-based cohort study indicates that hearing loss is associated with increased risk of receiving disability pension, especially among younger adults and low educated workers. Hearing loss was weakly associated with sick leave.