Eye & ENT Research · May 27, 2026
Magnitude, Patterns and Factors Associated With Sensorineural Hearing Loss Among Hypertensive Adults at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania
By Shayo J, Katundu DR, Jonas A et al.
ABSTRACT Background Hearing loss affects 1.5 billion people globally, with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) linked to hypertension. Hypertension affects 1.39 billion people worldwide and its prevalence is rising sharply in Sub‐Saharan Africa. While 12% of Tanzanian population has cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and recent studies showed 28% of adults from the northern parts have hypertension. However, data on SNHL in this population are scarce. This study examines SNHL prevalence and associated factors among hypertensive adults in Northern Tanzania. Objective This study aims to determine the magnitude, patterns and factors associated with SNHL among hypertensive adults at a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania. Methods This hospital‐based cross‐sectional study involved 201 hypertensive adults attending Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center clinics from October 2023 to May 2024. Data on demographics, hypertension duration, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, ototoxic drug history, otoscopic findings, and SNHL by pure‐tone audiometry were collected. Analysis was done using SPSS version 26, with logistic regression assessing risk factors for SNHL. Results SNHL prevalence was 23.9%. Risk factors included female gender, prolonged hypertension, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and ototoxic drug use. Conclusion SNHL, predominantly bilateral and mild, was common among hypertensive adults. Older age, female gender, long‐standing hypertension, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and ototoxic drugs increased SNHL risk. Addressing modifiable risk factors may reduce SNHL prevalence.