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Combined effects of multiple metals on hearing loss: A Bayesian kernel machine regression approach
Mingming Liang1, Xianwei Guo1, Xiuxiu Ding1
1Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, PR China.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Heavy metal exposure, including cadmium, lead, antimony, and tin, is linked to increased risks of hearing loss. This study highlights the combined effects of multiple metals on auditory health, providing evidence for potential interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Audiology
Background:
- Exposure to heavy metals is a known risk factor for hearing loss.
- The cumulative impact of various metals on different types of hearing impairment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to multiple heavy metals and hearing loss.
- To assess the joint effects of mixed metal exposures on speech-frequency and high-frequency hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) involving 2205 adult participants.
- Employed generalized linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models.
- Adjusted for numerous covariates including age, gender, race, lifestyle factors, and health conditions.
Main Results:
- Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and tin (Sn) showed significant associations with total hearing loss.
- Mixed heavy metal exposure was positively associated with total hearing loss (OR: 1.136), speech-frequency hearing loss (OR: 1.066), and high-frequency hearing loss (OR: 1.102).
- BKMR analysis indicated potential interactions between Cd, Pb, and other metals.
Conclusions:
- Multiple metals exert joint effects on hearing loss in the U.S. population.
- Findings offer crucial scientific evidence for developing targeted interventions to mitigate metal-induced hearing impairment.
