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Association between hearing impairment and cardiometabolic multimorbidity among middle-aged and older adults in China
Xiao-Duo Zhang1,2,3, Qia-Chun Zhang4, Bin Deng4
1Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China. 308996191@qq.com.
Insights
Hearing impairment (HI) significantly increases the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) in older adults. Even mild HI raises CMM risk by 32%, with severe HI posing a 54% greater risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) presents a significant health challenge in aging populations.
- Hearing impairment (HI) is a prevalent condition among middle-aged and older adults.
- The relationship between HI and CMM risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between hearing impairment (HI) and the risk of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM).
- To provide evidence for early warning and screening of high-risk CMM populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 9,035 participants aged 45+ in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018).
- Utilized multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and subgroup analyses.
- Median follow-up duration was 7 years, documenting 382 incident CMM cases.
Main Results:
- Mild HI was associated with a 32% increased risk of CMM (HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.68).
- Severe HI was associated with a 54% increased risk of CMM (HR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.14-2.07).
- Subgroup analyses indicated higher risks for males with severe HI (HR=1.72), females with severe HI (HR=1.55), and individuals aged ≥60 with severe HI (HR=1.70).
Conclusions:
- Hearing impairment is associated with an elevated risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults.
- The association between HI and CMM risk is more pronounced in males and individuals aged 60 and older.
- Findings support the consideration of HI screening for early detection of CMM risk.
Abstract:
This study examined the association between hearing impairment (HI) and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) in middle-aged and older adults, providing evidence to support early warning and screening of high-risk CMM populations. This study analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) spanning 2011 to 2018. The analysis included 9,035 participants aged 45 years and older. The association between HI and the risk of CMM was investigated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and subgroup analyses. The results were as follows: Over a median follow-up of 7 years, 382 incident CMM cases were documented. In the fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards model (Model 3), those with mild HI had a 32% increased risk of CMM (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.32, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.06-1.68), while those with severe HI had a 54% increased risk (HR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.14-2.07). Subgroup analyses revealed that males with severe HI had an increased risk of CMM (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.09-2.27), while females with severe HI also showed an elevated risk (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.07-2.26). Among individuals aged ≥ 60 years, severe HI was associated with a 70% increased risk of CMM (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.15-2.52). Our findings suggest an association between HI and the risk of CMM in middle-aged and older adults, with the association being more pronounced in males with severe HI conditions and individuals aged 60 years or older.
