Hearing loss and aging-related health outcomes-A natural population cohort study

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the associations between hearing loss and five aging-related health outcomes-cognitive function, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, nutritional status, and sarcopenia-among Chinese adults. METHODS: This cohort study used data from the West China Health and Aging Trends Study. Hearing loss was measured by pure tone audiometry, and health outcomes were evaluated using standardized instruments: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scales, the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form, and a simple five-item scale for sarcopenia (the SARC-F). Associations were examined using both univariable and multivariable logistic regression, with subgroup analyses by age, sex, and level of education. RESULTS: A total of 545 eligible participants (mean age 64.6 years; 374 women [68.6%]) were included. Multivariable analysis showed significant associations between hearing loss and cognitive function (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.11-2.61), activities of daily living (OR 3.74; 95% CI 1.09-12.82) and instrumental activities of daily living (OR 5.28; 95% CI 1.2-23.35). In adjusted models, moderate or higher-level hearing loss was associated with sarcopenia (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.32-7.27), difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (OR 22.62; 95% CI 4.47-114.43), impairments in activities of daily living (OR 6.14; 95% CI 1.55-24.33), poor nutrition (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.15-6.82) and cognitive decline (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.13-3.98). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that both the presence and severity of hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss, are important factors influencing multi-dimensional aging-related health outcomes. This highlights the importance of regular hearing assessments and timely interventions to support health in older adults.