Hearing loss and aging-related health outcomes-A natural population cohort study

To investigate the associations between hearing loss and five aging-related health outcomes-cognitive function, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, nutritional status, and sarcopenia-among Chinese adults.

This cohort study used data from the West China Health and Aging Trends Study. Hearing loss was measured by pure tone audiometry, and health outcomes were evaluated using standardized instruments: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scales, the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form, and a simple five-item scale for sarcopenia (the SARC-F). Associations were examined using both univariable and multivariable logistic regression, with subgroup analyses by age, sex, and level of education.

A total of 545 eligible participants (mean age 64.6 years; 374 women [68.6%]) were included. Multivariable analysis showed significant associations between hearing loss and cognitive function (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.11-2.61), activities of daily living (OR 3.74; 95% CI 1.09-12.82) and instrumental activities of daily living (OR 5.28; 95% CI 1.2-23.35). In adjusted models, moderate or higher-level hearing loss was associated with sarcopenia (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.32-7.27), difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (OR 22.62; 95% CI 4.47-114.43), impairments in activities of daily living (OR 6.14; 95% CI 1.55-24.33), poor nutrition (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.15-6.82) and cognitive decline (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.13-3.98).

These findings suggest that both the presence and severity of hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss, are important factors influencing multi-dimensional aging-related health outcomes. This highlights the importance of regular hearing assessments and timely interventions to support health in older adults.