Major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms, and bilateral hearing loss in hispanic adults

Studies in non-Hispanic whites have documented higher rates of hearing loss in adults with depression versus those without depression. Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to investigate associations between depression and bilateral hearing loss in Cuban-American, Mexican-American, and Puerto Rican adults 20-74 years of age. Pure tone thresholds were calculated by averaging thresholds obtained at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz separately for each ear. Hearing loss was defined as bilateral pure tone average threshold levels greater than 25 db. Lifetime history of a major depressive episode was assessed by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Schedule. Prevalence of overall hearing loss was consistently lower in Hispanics with a history of major depressive disorder than among those without such a history. Odds of hearing impairment was significantly greater among Puerto-Ricans reporting more depressive symptoms versus fewer symptoms. However, no such associations were found among Mexican-Americans or Cuban-Americans. In conclusion, despite the findings in Puerto Ricans with depressive symptoms short of major depression, hearing impaired Hispanics overall do not appear at increased risk of major depressive disorder.