Abstract

Hearing loss in elderly persons is a public health concern that is of increasing importance as the global population ages. The present study was conducted to assess association between cardiovascular disease and its risk factors with hearing loss. Materials & Methods: 58 patients with CVDs of both genders were selected. The hearing thresholds measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL) at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz, as well as the word recognition score (WRS). Results: Out of 58 patients, males were 38 and females were 20. Simple and multiple linear regressions were calculated to predict HFPTA based on hypertension, CVA, and CAD. Coronary artery disease was the only comorbidity predictive for HFPTA on simple regression, with an effect of 4.39 (95% CI, 1.23-7.55) dB HL. No risk factor predicted HFPTA on multiple regression. Simple and multivariate regressions were also calculated for LFPTA. Coronary artery disease and CVA were predictive on simple regressions, in order of greatest to least association with hearing loss, with respective effect sizes of 6.52 (95% CI, 2.81-9.48) and 5.02 (95% CI, 0.46-9.66) dB HL. Multiple regression showed no predictive risk factors. Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors and disease were associated with worse hearing and a greater rate of hearing deterioration.

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