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Puerto Rican men at greatest risk for hearing impairment, loss

Among the Hispanic population, men with Puerto Rican backgrounds, and people with diabetes or prediabetes, have increased odds of hearing impairment, according to recently published data.

Researchers used data from The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos to assess the prevalence of hearing impairment within Hispanic populations and identify potential risk factors for hearing loss.

Overall, 15% of participants had hearing impairment, with 8.2% having bilateral impairment.

Participants aged 45 years and older in all Hispanic groups had a higher prevalence of hearing impairment in either ear, compared with those younger than 45 years.

After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, BMI and various medical conditions, results demonstrated that participants with a Puerto Rican background had a greater risk for hearing impairment compared with participants with a Mexican background (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.10-2.25).

Participants with at least a high school education and those who earned more than $75,000/ year were less likely to experience hearing impairment.

Greater risk of hearing impairment was associated with previous noise exposure (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.07-1.70), as well as strongly associated with diabetes (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.27-1.94) and prediabetes (OR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.67). 

The researchers noted that specific interventions that address the communication needs of Hispanic populations are important to help slow hearing loss progression and determine other risk factors.

“Health professionals and the public needs to be aware that hearing impairment is a common and important disorder affecting the Hispanics/Latinos in the United States…Health care professionals need to be aware that Hispanic/Latino patients, especially those with abnormal glucose metabolism, may have hearing impairment and need screening and appropriate referrals,” the researchers wrote. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.