Nonlinear Association Between Alcohol Intake and Hearing Among Older Adults: Evidence From NHANES 2015 to 2023

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Gerontology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hearing loss is a growing concern in aging populations.
• Alcohol consumption is prevalent among older adults.
• The relationship between alcohol intake and hearing function is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nonlinear association between alcohol intake and hearing loss in US adults aged 60 and older.
• To identify potential threshold effects of alcohol consumption on auditory function.
• To explore sex-specific differences in this association.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015-2023).
• Included 2169 US adults aged 60+.
• Weighted multivariable regression, smoothing curves, and piecewise-linear regression were used to analyze daily alcohol consumption (g/day) and hearing loss scores, with sex-stratified analyses.

Main Results:

• An inverted U-shaped nonlinear association was observed between alcohol intake and hearing loss scores.
• An inflection point was identified around 23 g/day of alcohol consumption.
• Intake below 23 g/day was linked to lower hearing loss scores, while intake above this threshold was associated with higher hearing loss scores. A similar pattern was seen in men, but not women.

Conclusions:

• A sex- and age-specific nonlinear association exists between alcohol intake and auditory function in older adults.
• Moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with reduced hearing loss.
• Higher alcohol intake is associated with increased hearing loss in this demographic.