Diabetes is a Risk Factor for Hearing Loss in Older Adults: Results of a Community Screening Programme

OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in a population of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 1787 adults aged 60-100 who had undergone a comprehensive audiological assessment in a community-based audiology clinic. Data extracted included their age, hearing profile, medical history, and comorbidities collected through verbal interview at the point of audiologic assessment. Multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were performed to investigate the relationship between DM and hearing loss. RESULTS The prevalence of DM in our studied population is 17.9%. After controlling for age, gender, race, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia status, DM was found to be independently associated with at least moderate hearing loss (adjusted OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.06-1.59], p = .012). This was especially so in the younger (<70) age group (adjusted OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.18-2.44], p = .004). CONCLUSION DM is an independent risk factor for the presence of at least moderate hearing in community-dwelling seniors. Individuals aged <70 with DM should be screened for hearing loss to enable early intervention.