Association Between Unclean Cooking Fuel Use and Hearing Problems Among Adults Aged ≥ 65 Years, a Cross-Sectional
Robert C MacKinnon1, Lee Smith2, Guillermo F López Sánchez3
1Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge UK.
Using unclean cooking fuels is linked to a higher risk of hearing problems in older adults from low- and middle-income countries. This association is particularly strong among females, highlighting a potential public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
Background:
- Outdoor air pollution is linked to hearing issues.
- The association between hearing ability and unclean cooking fuel use remains under-examined, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between unclean cooking fuel use and hearing problems in older adults from LMICs.
- To identify potential disparities in this association based on sex.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) across six LMICs.
- Inclusion of 14,585 individuals aged 65 years and older.
- Use of multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between unclean cooking fuel use and hearing problems.
Main Results:
- Unclean cooking fuel use was significantly associated with an increased risk of hearing problems (OR=1.68).
- The association was more pronounced in females (OR=2.36) compared to males (OR=1.20).
Conclusions:
- Unclean cooking fuel use is a risk factor for hearing problems in older adults in LMICs, particularly females.
- Findings support Sustainable Development Goal 7, advocating for modern energy access to prevent avoidable hearing loss.
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