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Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the long-term associations of musical training with speech perception in adverse conditions and cognition in a longitudinal cohort study of middle-age to older adults. Method This study is based on Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study participants. We asked participants at baseline (1993–1995) about their musical training. Speech perception (word recognition in competing message; Northwestern University Auditory Test Number 6), cognitive function (cognitive test battery), and impairment (self-report or surrogate report of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and/or a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≤ 24) were assessed up to 5 times over the 20-year follow-up. We included 2,938 Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study participants who had musical training data and at least one follow-up of speech perception and/or cognitive assessment. We used linear mixed-effects models to determine associations between musicianship and decline in speech perception and cognitive function over time and Cox regression models to evaluate associations of musical training with 20-year cumulative incidence of speech perception and cognitive impairment. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and occupation and repeated with additional adjustment for health-related confounders and education. Results Musicians showed less speech perception decline over time with stronger effects in women (0.16% difference, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.05, 0.26]). Among men, musicians had, on average, better speech perception than nonmusicians (3.41% difference, 95% CI [0.62, 6.20]) and were less likely to develop a cognitive impairment than nonmusicians (hazard ratio = 0.58, 95% CI [0.37, 0.91]). Conclusions Musicians showed an advantage in speech perception abilities and cognition later in life and less decline over time with different magnitudes of effect sizes in men and women. Associations remained with further adjustment, indicating that some degree of the advantage of musical training is independent of socioeconomic or health differences. If confirmed, these findings could have implications for developing speech perception intervention and prevention strategies. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14825454

Objectives Middle age has been identified as a critical time period for health later in life. Identifying factors associated with worse brain function in middle-aged adults may help identify ways to preserve brain function with aging. Our objective was to evaluate factors associated with a novel measure of brain aging in middle-aged and older adults. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS) baseline (2005-2008), 5-year (2010-2013), and 10-year examinations (2015-2017). Participants A total of 2285 adults, 22 to 84 years of age, with complete sensorineural and neurocognitive data at the 5-year examination. Measurements Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed combining 5-year sensorineural (hearing, vision, olfaction) and cognitive (Trail Making Test A and B, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Auditory Verbal Learning Test) test data. Participants with a standardized PCA score less than -1 were classified as having brain aging. Incident brain aging was defined as a PCA score less than -1 at 10 years among participants who had a PCA score of -1 or higher at 5 years. Logistic regression and Poisson models were used to estimate associations between baseline factors and prevalent or incident brain aging, respectively. Results Older age, being male, current smoking, larger waist circumference, not consuming alcohol, cardiovascular disease, and interleukin-6 were associated with greater odds of prevalent brain aging, whereas more education and exercise were associated with decreased odds. In addition to age and sex, less than a college education, higher levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, diabetes, depressive symptoms, and history of head injury were associated with an increased 5-year risk of incident brain aging. Conclusion In the current study, vascular and inflammatory factors were associated with a new brain aging marker in middle-aged and older adults. Many of these factors are modifiable, highlighting the importance of addressing health and lifestyle factors in midlife to potentially preserve function for better brain health later in life. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1610-1616, 2019.

Background Sensorineural impairments and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and disease (CVD) in midlife may be important predictors of future cognitive health, but longitudinal studies that include multiple sensorineural measures in middle-aged adults are lacking. Methods Hearing, vision, and olfaction, and CVRF and CVD were measured at the Beaver Dam Offspring Study baseline (2005–2008) examination. The Mini-Mental State Examination and Trail Making Tests A and B were administered at all phases and additional cognitive function measures were obtained at 5 (2010–2013) and 10 years (2015–2017). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate associations between baseline sensorineural impairments, CVRF, CVD, and 10-year cumulative incidence of cognitive impairment and decline. Results There were 2,556 participants (22–84 years) without cognitive impairment at baseline and data from at least one follow-up. In a multivariable model including age, sex, education, and head injury, visual impairment (hazard ratio = 2.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.34, 5.02), olfactory impairment (hazard ratio = 3.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.53, 6.59), CVD (hazard ratio = 2.37, 95% confidence interval = 1.24, 4.52), and not consuming alcohol in the past year (hazard ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.16, 4.19) were associated with the 10-year cumulative incidence of cognitive impairment. Current smoking and diabetes were associated with increased risk, and exercise with decreased risk, of 10-year decline in cognitive function. Conclusions Visual and olfactory impairments, CVRF, and CVD were associated with the 10-year cumulative incidence of cognitive impairment and decline in middle-aged adults. Identifying modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline and impairment in midlife may provide opportunities for prevention or treatment and improve cognitive health later in life.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To determine the 10-year incidence of hearing impairment (HI) and associated risk factors in the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS; 2004-present), a large middle-aged cohort followed for 10 years. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Hearing thresholds were measured at baseline (2005-2008) and 5- (2010-2013) and 10-year (2015-2017) follow-up examinations. HI was defined as a pure-tone average >25 dB HL in either ear. BOSS participants free of HI at baseline with at least one follow-up examination (N = 2,065) were included. Potential risk factors evaluated included cardiovascular measures, health history, lifestyle factors, inflammatory markers, vitamins D and B12, lead, and cadmium. RESULTS Participants were 21 to 79 years (mean age = 47.9 years) at baseline. The 10-year cumulative HI incidence was 17.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.7-19.2) and was twice as likely in men (24.4%, 95% CI: 21.5-27.7) than in women (12.2%, 95% CI: 10.3-14.3). In a multivariable adjusted model, age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.38-1.59, per 5 years), male sex (HR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.91-3.18), less than a college education (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02-1.79), body mass index (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, per kg/m2 ), and higher cadmium levels (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05-1.92, quintile 5 vs. quintiles 1-4) were associated with the 10-year cumulative incidence of HI. There was no association between high lead levels, vitamins D or B12, and 10-year incidence of HI. CONCLUSIONS In addition to age and sex, obesity, education, and blood cadmium levels were associated with increased incidence of HI. These prospective results add to evidence that age-related HI is a multifactorial preventable disorder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b Laryngoscope, 130:1396-1401, 2020.

Background Age-related hearing loss (impairment in hearing sensitivity and/or higher-order auditory processing) and cognitive decline are common co-occurring impairments in elderly adults. Their relation in the process of aging remains insufficiently understood. We aim to assess the temporal relations of decline in hearing sensitivity, higher-order auditory processing, and cognition in middle-aged adults. Methods This study included 1,274 Beaver Dam Offspring Study participants who participated in three examinations (baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up). We assessed hearing sensitivity through pure-tone audiometry (PTA, averaged thresholds of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz of the better ear), higher-order auditory processing as word recognition in competing message (WRCM) using the Northwestern University 6 word list in the better ear, and cognition through trail-making test performance (TMT). Linear mixed-effects models and linear regression models were used to determine associations over time and to what extent these measures influence each other over time. Results The longitudinal decline between all functions was associated with the strongest relationships between PTA and WRCM. The effect of baseline PTA on WRCM 10 years later (standardized ß = –.30) was almost twice as big as the effect of baseline WRCM on PTA 10 years later (standardized ß = –.18). The effect of baseline WRCM on TMT 10 years later and vice versa were small (standardized ß = –.05). No directional relationship between PTA and TMT was identified (standardized ß ≤ .02). Conclusions While hearing sensitivity might affect higher-order auditory processing, associations between hearing and cognition appear bidirectional and weak in midlife. We need to be cautious before inferring causal effects of hearing on cognition.

Objective Hearing impairment (HI) is common in aging adults. Aldosterone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been identified as potentially protective of hearing. The present study aims to investigate these relationships. Methods The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study is a longitudinal population-based study of aging in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, that began in 1993. Baseline for the present investigation is the 1998 to 2000 phase. Follow-up exams occurred approximately every 5 years, with the most recent occurring from 2013 to 2016. Hearing was measured by pure-tone audiometry. HI was defined as a pure tone average (PTA) > 25 decibels hearing level in either ear. Change in PTA was the difference between follow-up examinations and baseline. Baseline serum samples were used to measure biomarkers in 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the effect of biomarker levels in the lowest quintile (Q1) versus the highest (Q5) on incident HI and PTA change. Results There were 1,088 participants (69.3% women) at risk of HI included in analyses. The mean baseline age was 63.8 years (standard deviation = 7.0). The 16-year incidence of HI was 54.9% and was higher in men (61.1%) than women (52.1%). In age- and sex-adjusted models, aldosterone (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.82-1.37), IGF1 (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.71-1.19), and BDNF (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.66-1.12) levels were not associated with risk of HI. PTA change was similarly not affected by biomarker levels. Conclusion Aldosterone, IGF1, and BDNF were not associated with decreased risk of age-related hearing loss in this study. Level of evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 129:2178-2183, 2019.

Importance Age-adjusted prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) decreased across generations in the 20th century, suggesting that HI is partially preventable. It is not known whether HI incidence differs by generation. Objectives To examine whether HI incidence and change in pure-tone average (PTA) differ by generation and identify factors underlying these differences. Design, setting, and participants This cohort study used data from the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS) and Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS), a pair of studies of adults in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Baseline examinations occurred from 1993 to 1995 in the EHLS and 2005 to 2008 in BOSS, with two 5-year follow-up examinations in each cohort. This longitudinal cohort study assessed 3651 participants without HI at baseline who had follow-up data. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was incident HI measured by pure-tone audiometry, defined as PTA greater than 25-dB hearing level (dB HL) in either ear. Associations of 5-year incidence were estimated by relative risks (RRs) and 10-year cumulative incidence with generation, as categorized by commonly used sociodemographic descriptors of year of birth, by hazard ratios (HRs). The 10-year change in PTA was investigated using a generation × time interaction term in generalized estimating equation models. Results Among the 3651 participants (mean [SD] age at baseline 53.1 [10.6] years; 2255 [61.8%] female; and 3567 [97.7%] non-Hispanic White), the 5-year HI incidence was 14.1% (95% CI, 13.0%-15.3%) and the 10-year cumulative incidence was 26.0% (95% CI, 24.6%-27.6%). The incidence increased with age. The risk of 5-year incident HI decreased by generation (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.97) when adjusting for multiple covariates. The decreased risk was similar in the 10-year period (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.73-1.01). The PTA change rate (per 5 years of follow-up) decreased by generation, with the Greatest Generation (born 1901-1924) experiencing the highest rate (7.03 dB HL). The rates were all significantly lower for the other generations (Silent Generation [born 1925-1945], 3.30 dB HL; Baby Boom Generation [born 1946-1964], 3.36 dB HL; and Generation X [born 1965-1984], 2.33 dB HL). Conclusions and relevance This study suggests that the risk of HI and rate of PTA change is lower for the Silent Generation and Baby Boom Generation compared with the Greatest Generation. Part of this lower risk is likely associated with changes in modifiable factors. A potential continued benefit may exist for Generation X. Combined with the reduced risk of HI for the Silent Generation and Baby Boom Generation, this finding implies that the future HI burden may be lower than current estimates suggest.

To evaluate the associations between sensory impairments and 10-year risk of cognitive impairment.The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS), a longitudinal, population-based study of aging in the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin community. Baseline examinations were conducted in 1993 and follow-up examinations have been conducted every 5 years.General community.EHLS members without cognitive impairment at EHLS-2 (1998-2000). There were 1,884 participants (mean age 66.7) with complete EHLS-2 sensory data and follow-up information.Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination score of24 or history of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Hearing impairment was a pure-tone average of hearing thresholds (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) of25 dB hearing level in either ear, visual impairment was a Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity of1.55 log units in the better eye, and olfactory impairment was a San Diego Odor Identification Test score of6.Hearing, visual, and olfactory impairment were independently associated with cognitive impairment risk (hearing: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-3.26; vision: HR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.24-3.38; olfaction: HR = 3.92, 95% CI = 2.45-6.26)). Nevertheless, 85% of participants with hearing impairment, 81% with visual impairment, and 76% with olfactory impairment did not develop cognitive impairment during follow-up.The relationship between sensory impairment and cognitive impairment was not unique to one sensory system, suggesting that sensorineural health may be a marker of brain aging. The development of a combined sensorineurocognitive measure may be useful in uncovering mechanisms of healthy brain aging.

Associations between vascular health–related factors and hearing loss defined using audiometric pure-tone thresholds have been found. Studies have not focused on a potential relationship between vascular health–related factors and central auditory processing.The aim of this study was to evaluate, on a population level, the relationship of vascular health–related factors with central auditory function.A cross-sectional, population study.Subjects were participants in the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS) or the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS)—prospective studies of aging and sensory loss. BOSS participants were the adult offspring of participants in the EHLS. Participants who completed the Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) during the fourth examination period of the EHLS (2008–2010) or the second examination period of the BOSS (2010–2013) were included (n = 3,655, mean age = 61.1 years).The DDT-free recall test was conducted using 25 sets of triple-digit pairs at a 70 dB HL presentation level. The total number of correctly repeated digits from the right and left ears was converted to a percentage correct and used as an outcome. The percentage correct in the left ear was subtracted from the percentage correct in the right ear and used as an outcome. Vascular health–related measures obtained during the examination included blood pressure, mean carotid intima-media thickness, femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), hemoglobin A1C, and non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and, in the EHLS participants, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. Information on vascular health–related history and behaviors was self-reported. General linear modeling produced estimates of the age- and sex-adjusted least squares means for each vascular factor, and multiple linear regression was used for multivariable modeling of each outcome.After multivariable adjustment, participants with diabetes had a significantly lower (worse) mean DDT-free recall total score (−2.08 percentage points, p < 0.001) than those without diabetes. Participants who exercised at least once per week had a significantly higher (better) mean DDT-free recall total score (+1.07 percentage points, p < 0.01) than those who did not exercise at least once per week. Alcohol consumption was associated with a higher DDT-free recall total score (+0.15 percentage points per +25 g ethanol, p < 0.01). In multivariable modeling of the right–left ear difference in DDT-free recall scores, participants with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or higher PWV demonstrated significantly larger differences (CVD: +3.11 percentage points, p = 0.02; PWV: +0.36 percentage points per 1 m/sec, p < 0.01). Higher levels of non-HDL cholesterol were associated with smaller right–left ear differences (−0.22 percentage points per 10 mg/dL, p = 0.01). Adjustment for handedness did not affect the results.Vascular health–related factors may play a role in central auditory function.

The study's purpose was to test if subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with the risk of developing HI in a large cohort of middle-aged participants.Study subjects were members of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS), a longitudinal study of adult children of participants in the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993-present). BOSS examinations took place in 2005-2008 (baseline) and 2010-2013 (5-year follow-up). The 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz 25 dB Hearing Level (dB HL) in either ear at follow-up among participants at risk (baseline PTA in both ears = 25 dB HL; n = 2436, mean age = 47.7 years). Atherosclerosis was measured as the mean carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of carotid artery plaque.Among the 1984 participants at-risk with a follow-up audiometric examination, the 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was 8.3% (95% Confidence Interval (C.I.) 7.1, 9.5). With multivariable adjustment, carotid intima-media thickness was positively associated with hearing impairment incidence (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.14 per 0.1 mm, 95% C.I. 1.04, 1.24). The number of sites (0-6) with plaque was also positively associated with the incidence of impairment (RR = 1.16 per site, 95% C.I. 1.01, 1.32).Atherosclerosis was associated with the 5-year incidence of hearing impairment in this predominantly middle-aged cohort. Interventions targeting atherosclerosis prevention may help to prevent or delay the onset of hearing impairment.

OBJECTIVES The Dichotic Digits test (DDT) has been widely used to assess central auditory processing but there is limited information on observed DDT performance in a general population. The purpose of the study was to determine factors related to DDT performance in a large cohort spanning the adult age range. DESIGN The study was cross-sectional and subjects were participants in the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS), a population-based investigation of age-related hearing loss, or the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS), a study of aging in the adult offspring of the EHLS members. Subjects seen during the 4th EHLS (2008 to 2010) or the 2nd BOSS (2010 to 2013) examination were included (N = 3655 participants [1391 EHLS, 2264 BOSS]; mean age = 61.1 years, range = 21 to 100 years). The free and right ear-directed recall DDTs were administered using 25 sets of triple-digit pairs with a 70 dB HL presentation level. Pure-tone audiometric testing was conducted and the pure-tone threshold average (PTA) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz was categorized using the worse ear: no loss = PTA ≤ 25 dB HL; mild loss = 25 40 dB HL. Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination score < 24 (maximum = 30) or a self- or proxy-reported history of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Demographic information was self-reported. General linear models were fit and multiple linear regression was performed. RESULTS The mean total free recall DDT score was 76.7% (range = 21.3 to 100%). Less than 10% of the participants had a total free recall score below 60% correct. The mean right ear-directed recall score was 98.4% with 69% of the participants scoring 100% and another 15.5% scoring 98.7% (1 incorrect digit). In multivariable modeling of the total free recall scores, the predicted mean free recall score was 1 percentage point lower for every 5-year increase in age, 2.3 percentage points lower in males than females, 8.7 percentage points lower in participants with less than a high school degree than in those with college degrees, 6.8 percentage points lower in participants with a moderate or marked hearing loss compared with no hearing loss, and 8.3 percentage points lower in participants with cognitive impairment compared with those without cognitive impairment. These 5 factors were independently and significantly related to performance and accounted for 22.7% of the total variability in free recall scores. CONCLUSIONS Substantial variation in the total free recall DDT scores but very little variation in the right ear-directed recall DDT scores was observed. Age, sex, education, hearing loss severity, and cognitive impairment were found to be significantly related to DDT scores but explained less than 25% of the total variability in total free recall scores. The right ear-directed recall DDT by itself may not be of benefit in assessing central auditory processing in a general population because of its limited variability but further evaluation of factors potentially related to free recall DDT variability may prove useful.

Objectives. We evaluated the use of hearing health care services (hearing testing and hearing aids) by adults aged 21 to 84 years. Methods. Hearing was tested and medical and hearing health histories were obtained as part of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study between 2005 and 2008 (n = 3285, mean age = 49 years). Results. Of the cohort, 34% (55% of participants aged ≥ 70 years) had a hearing test in the past 5 years. In multivariate modeling, older age, male gender, occupation, occupational noise, and having talked with a doctor about a hearing problem were independently associated with having had a hearing test in the past 5 years. Hearing aid use was low among participants with a moderate to severe hearing impairment (22.5%) and among participants with a hearing handicap (8.6%), as determined by the Hearing Handicap Inventory. Conclusions. Data support the need for improvement in hearing health care. Hearing aids’ effectiveness is limited if patients do not acquire them or do not use them once acquired. Future research should focus on developing effective strategies for moving patients from diagnosis to treatment.

Background Sensory impairments increase with age and the majority of older people will experience a sensory impairment if they live long enough. However, the relationships of hearing, visual, and olfactory impairments with mortality are not well understood. Methods Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study participants (n = 2,418) aged 53-97 years (mean = 69 years) were examined in 1998-2000 and hearing, visual acuity, and olfaction were measured. Participants were followed for mortality for up to 17 years (mean = 12.8 years). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between prevalent sensory impairments and the 15-year cumulative incidence of death. Results A total of 1,099 (45.4%) of participants died during the follow-up period. In age- and sex-adjusted Cox models, the risk of mortality was higher among participants with one (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19, 1.64) or two or more (HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.74, 2.58) sensory impairments than among participants with no sensory impairments. Olfactory impairment at baseline was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.52) after adjusting for age, sex, sensory comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors and disease, cognitive impairment, frailty, subclinical atherosclerosis, and inflammatory marker levels (n = 1,745). Hearing and visual impairment were not associated with mortality after adjusting for subclinical atherosclerosis and inflammation. Conclusion Olfactory impairment, but not hearing or visual impairment, was associated with an increased risk of mortality. These results suggest that olfactory impairment may be a marker of underlying physiologic processes or pathology that is associated with aging and reduced survival in older adults.

Recent research suggests that hearing impairment is declining among older adults compared with earlier generations of the same age. Tinnitus is often associated with hearing impairment, so one might hypothesize that the prevalence of tinnitus is declining in a similar manner. The purpose of this study was to use multigenerational data with repeated measures to determine whether the prevalence of tinnitus is declining among more recent generations.Using data from the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993-1995, 1998-2000, 2003-2005, and 2009-2010) and the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (2005-2008), the authors examined birth cohort patterns in the report of tinnitus for adults aged 45 years and older (n =12,689 observations from 5764 participants). Participants were classified as having tinnitus if they reported tinnitus in the past year of at least moderate severity or that caused difficulty falling asleep. A low-frequency (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) and high-frequency (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) pure tone average from the worse ear was used to summarize hearing status. Other potential risk factors for tinnitus were also explored to determine if changes in the prevalence of these factors over time could explain any observed birth cohort differences in the prevalence of tinnitus. These included the following: education, history of head injury, history of doctor-diagnosed ear infections, history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, or angina), current noisy job, longest-held job, target shooting in the past year, number of concerts ever attended, alcohol use in the past year, doctor diagnosis of arthritis, current aspirin use, regular exercise, and consulting with a physician in the past year about any hearing/ear problem. Birth cohort effects were modeled with alternating logistic regression models which use generalized estimating equations to adjust for correlation among repeated measurements over time that are nested within families.The report of tinnitus tended to increase with more recent birth cohorts compared with earlier birth cohorts. For example, at ages 55 to 59 years, 7.6% of participants born between 1935 and 1939 reported tinnitus, compared with 11.0% of those born in 1940 to 1944, 13.6% of those born between 1945 and 1949, and 17.5% of those born between 1950 and 1954. Similarly, at ages 65 to 69 years, 7.9% of participants born between 1925 and 1929 reported tinnitus, compared with 10.0% of those born between 1930 and 1934, 11.9% of those born between 1935 and 1939, and 13.7% of those born between 1940 and 1944. Final alternating logistic regression model results indicated that, on average, after adjusting for age and other factors, participants in a given generation were significantly more likely to report tinnitus than participants from a generation 20 years earlier (odds ratio = 1.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.44, 2.21).Increased reports of tinnitus may reflect increased prevalence of symptoms, increased awareness of symptoms, or higher health expectations among more recent generations of adults. Regardless of the reasons, the increasing prevalence of tinnitus suggests that health care providers may see an increased number of patients bothered by this common but little understood symptom.

To identify factors contributing to the declining prevalence of hearing impairment in more recent generations.We used data on hearing thresholds and potential risk factors of hearing impairment collected from studies in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993-1995, n=3753; 1998-2000, n=2800 and 2003-2005, n=2395), the concurrent Beaver Dam Eye Study on the same cohort, and a subgroup (n=2173) of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (2005-2008).Educational attainment significantly reduced the odds ratio (OR) of the birth cohort effect on hearing impairment from 0.90 to 0.93, while a history of ear infection had a reverse effect on the decreasing trend (significantly changing the OR from 0.93 to 0.94). Occupational noise exposure, smoking, and a history of cardiovascular disease, while associated with hearing impairment, did not attenuate the cohort effect. The cohort effect remained significant after known risk factors were adjusted (OR=0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.97).These data provide strong evidence that environmental, lifestyle, or other modifiable factors contribute to the etiology of hearing impairment and add support to the idea that hearing impairment in adults may be prevented or delayed.

Objectives. We determined factors associated with hearing aid acquisition in older adults. Methods. We conducted a population-based, prospective study that used information from 3 examinations performed on study participants as part of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1993–2005). We included participants (n = 718; mean age = 70.5 years) who exhibited hearing loss at baseline or the first follow-up and had no prior history of hearing aid use. We defined hearing loss as a pure tone threshold average (PTA) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kilohertz in the better ear of greater than 25 decibels Hearing Level. Results. The 10-year cumulative incidence of hearing aid acquisition was 35.7%. Associated factors included education (college graduate vs all others: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5, 4.1), self-perception of hearing (poor vs good or better: HR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3, 5.0), score on a perceived hearing handicap inventory (+ 1 difference: HR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.1), and PTA (+ 5 dB difference: HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.2, 1.6). Conclusions. The low rate of hearing aid ownership among older adults is a problem that still needs to be addressed.

IMPORTANCE: Hearing impairment (HI) is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Identification of factors associated with the development of HI may lead to ways to reduce the incidence of this condition. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between cystatin C, both as an independent biomarker and as a marker of kidney function, and the 20-year incidence of HI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were obtained from the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS), a longitudinal, population-based study in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Baseline examinations began in 1993 and continued through 1995, and participants were examined approximately every 5 years, with the most recent examination phase completed in 2015. The EHLS participants with serum cystatin C concentration data and without HI at the baseline examination were included in this study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Participants without HI were followed up for incident HI (pure-tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz >25 dB hearing level in either ear) for 20 years. Cystatin C was analyzed as a biomarker (concentration) and used to determine estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR(CysC)). Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the association between cystatin C concentration and eGFR(CysC) and the 20-year cumulative incidence of HI. RESULTS: There were 863 participants aged 48 to 86 years with cystatin C data and without HI at baseline. Of these, 599 (69.4%) were women. In models adjusted for age and sex, cystatin C was associated with an increased risk of developing HI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.34 per 0.2-mg/L increase in cystatin C concentration), but the estimate was attenuated after further adjusting for educational level, current smoking, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.98-1.27 per 0.2-mg/L increase in cystatin C concentration). Low eGFR(CysC) was significantly associated with the 20-year cumulative incidence of HI in both the age- and sex-adjusted model (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.16-2.48

As part of a population-based study in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, we estimated the 10-year cumulative incidence of tinnitus and its risk factors. Participants (n = 2922, aged 48-92 years) not reporting tinnitus at baseline (1993-1995) were followed for up to ten years. In addition to audiometric testing and anthropometric measures, data on tinnitus, health, and other history were obtained via questionnaire. Potential risk factors were assessed with discrete-time proportional hazards models. The 10-year cumulative incidence of tinnitus was 12.7%. The risk of developing tinnitus was significantly associated with: history of arthritis (hazard ratio (HR = 1.37), history of head injury (HR = 1.76), history of ever smoking (HR = 1.40), and among women, hearing loss (HR = 2.59). Alcohol consumption (HR = 0.63 for > or = 141 grams/week vs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the 10-yr cumulative incidence of hearing impairment and associations of education, occupation and noise exposure history with the incidence of hearing impairment in a population-based cohort study of 3753 adults ages 48-92 years at the baseline examinations during 1993-1995 in Beaver Dam, WI. Hearing thresholds were measured at baseline, 2.5 yr, 5 yr, and 10-yr follow-up examinations. Hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) > 25 dB HL at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Demographic characteristics and occupational histories were obtained by questionnaire. The 10-yr cumulative incidence of hearing impairment was 37.2%. Age (5 yr; Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.81), sex (M v W; HR=2.29), occupation based on longest held job (Production/Operations/Farming vs others; HR=1.34), marital status (unmarried vs married; HR=1.29) and education (

OBJECTIVE Clinicians encounter patients who report experiencing hearing difficulty (HD) even when audiometric thresholds fall within normal limits. When there is no evidence of audiometric hearing loss, it generates debate over possible biomedical and psychosocial etiologies. It is possible that self-reported HDs relate to variables within and/or outside the scope of audiology. The purpose of this study is to identify how often, on a population basis, people with normal audiometric thresholds self-report HD and to identify factors associated with such HDs. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional investigation of participants in the Beaver Dam Offspring Study. HD was defined as a self-reported HD on a four-item scale despite having pure-tone audiometric thresholds within normal limits (

Objectives To determine associations between smoking, adiposity, diabetes mellitus, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the 15-year incidence of hearing impairment (HI). Design A longitudinal population-based cohort study (1993–95 to 2009–10), the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS). Setting Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Participants Participants in the Beaver Dam Eye Study (1988–90; residents of Beaver Dam, WI, aged 43–84 in 1987–88) were eligible for the EHLS. There were 1,925 participants with normal hearing at baseline. Measurements Fifteen-year cumulative incidence of HI (pure-tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz greater than 25 decibels hearing level in either ear). Cigarette smoking, exercise, and other factors were ascertained according to questionnaire. Blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured. Results Follow-up examinations (≥1) were obtained from 87.2% (n = 1,678; mean baseline age 61). The 15-year cumulative incidence of HI was 56.8%. Adjusting for age and sex, current smoking (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31, P = .048), education (

Longitudinal changes in tympanometric measures of middle ear function over five years were reported for a large population of older adults. Findings were similar for men and women, for right and left ears, and across age groups from 48 to 92 years. Although some of the mean changes reached statistical significance, the vast majority of observed changes were small in magnitude relative to the observed variability and the tolerances of the measuring instrument. Observed mean changes in Peak Ytm for older adults were quite small and were in the positive direction. This is counter to changes that would be predicted on the basis of increases in the stiffness of the middle ear transmission system with advancing age suggested in earlier reports. Overall, the findings suggest little in the way of functional change in middle ear mechanics over a span of five years in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if moderate alcohol consumption is associated inversely with hearing loss in a large population based study of older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population based cohort study. Data are from the 1993–1995 examinations for the population based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS) (n = 3571) and the Beaver Dam Eye Study (BDES) (n = 3722). SETTING: Midwestern community of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. PARTICIPANTS: Residents of Beaver Dam aged 43 to 84 in 1987–1988 were eligible for the BDES (examinations in 1988–1990 and 1993–1995). During 1993–1995, this same cohort was eligible to participate in the baseline examination for the EHLS. MEASUREMENTS: Hearing thresholds were measured by pure tone air and bone conduction audiometry (250–8000 Hz.). History of alcohol consumption in the past year, heavy drinking (ever), medical history, occupation, noise exposure, and other lifestyle factors were ascertained by a questionnaire that was administered as an interview. RESULTS: In multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for potential confounders, moderate alcohol consumption (>140 grams/week) was inversely associated with hearing loss (PTA.5,1,2,4 >25 dB HL; odds ratio [OR] = .71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .52, .97; where PTA is pure tone average). A similar association was found for moderate hearing loss (PTA.5,1,2,4 >40 dB HL; OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32, 0.74). Alcohol consumption was associated inversely with the odds of having a low frequency hearing loss (OR = 0.61) or a high frequency hearing loss (OR = 0.60). These findings did not vary significantly by age or gender. There was an increase in the odds of having a high frequency hearing loss (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.75), in those with a history of heavy drinking (≥4 drinks/day). Including cardiovascular disease or its related factors did not significantly attenuate the protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of a modest protective association of alcohol consumption and hearing loss in these cross-sectional data. This finding is in agreement with a small body of evidence suggesting that hearing loss is not an inevitable component of the aging process.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between recreational firearm use and high-frequency hearing loss in a population of older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based cohort study. SETTING: The midwestern community of Beaver Dam, Wis. PARTICIPANTS: A population-based sample of 3753 participants (83% of those eligible), aged 48 to 92 years, participated in the baseline phase of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lifetime and past year self-reported firearm use during target shooting and hunting were assessed by interview. Hearing thresholds were measured by pure-tone audiometry. RESULTS: After age and other factors were adjusted for, men (n = 1538) who had ever regularly engaged in target shooting (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.19) or who had done so in the past year (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.46) were more likely to have a marked high-frequency hearing loss than those who had not. Risk of having a marked high-frequency hearing loss increased 7% for every 5 years the men had hunted (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.12). Thirty-eight percent of the target shooters and 95% of the hunters reported never wearing hearing protection while shooting in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that use of recreational firearms is associated with marked high-frequency hearing loss in men. There is a need for further education of users of recreational firearms regarding the risk of hearing impairment associated with firearm use and the availability and importance of appropriate hearing protection.

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, in older adults, of questions assessing hearing loss. Study participants (n=3,556), aged 48-92 years, were examined in a population-based study of age-related hearing loss in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Self-report data from the ten-question Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-screening Version (HHIE-S), and four additional questions were compared with hearing loss as measured by pure-tone air conduction audiometry. The single question, 'Do you feel you have a hearing loss?' was the most sensitive question (sensitivity=71 per cent); its overall and gender-specific prevalence estimates were within 3.2 per cent of prevalence measures derived audiometrically, although age-group specific estimates were not as accurate. Using an HHIE-S total score >8 resulted in low sensitivity (34 per cent) and inaccurate prevalence estimates. These results indicate that, for some applications, one simple question may be sufficient for prevalence surveys of hearing loss among older adults.

Background Although research has linked systemic inflammation to various diseases of aging, few studies have examined the potential role it may play in the development of age-related hearing impairment. Methods Among 1,073 participants free of hearing impairment (pure-tone average 0.5, 1, 2, 4kHz ≤ 25 dB HL) in the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (1998-2000), serum C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 were measured at three time points (1988-1990, 1998-2000, and 2009-2010), and tumor necrosis factor-α was measured at one time point (1998-2000), whereas hearing impairment was measured again in 2003-2005 and 2009-2010 to determine the 10-year cumulative incidence. Results Inflammatory marker levels from a single time point (1998-2000) were not associated with an increased risk of developing hearing impairment. Associations between long-term serum C-reactive protein levels and incident hearing impairment differed by age (p = .031). Participants less than 60 years with consistently high (>3 mg/L) or increasing levels of serum C-reactive protein over 10 years were nearly two times (hazard ratio: 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 3.23) as likely to develop hearing impairment over the subsequent 10-year period, an association not seen in participants more than or equal to 60 years. A statistically significant association (p-trend = .041) was also observed between number of markers in the highest group at baseline and incident hearing impairment in this younger age group. Conclusions Associations between long-term serum C-reactive protein levels and incident hearing impairment were observed in the cohort as a whole, but differed significantly by age group, with statistically significant associations observed in adults less than 60 years, participants moving through the peak risk period for hearing impairment over the course of the study.

Purpose In this study, the authors assessed age- and sex-related patterns in the prevalence and 10-year incidence of 4-kHz air–bone gaps and associated factors. Method Data were obtained as part of the longitudinal, population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (Cruickshanks et al., 1998). An air–bone gap at 4 kHz was defined as an air-conduction threshold ≥ 15 dB higher than the bone-conduction threshold in the right ear. Results Among 3,553 participants ages 48–92 years at baseline (1993–1995), 3.4% had a 4-kHz air–bone gap in the right ear. The prevalence increased with age. Among the 120 participants with an air–bone gap, 60.0% did not have a flat tympanogram or an air–bone gap at 0.5 kHz. Ten years later, the authors assessed 2,093 participants who did not have a 4-kHz air–bone gap at baseline; 9.2% had developed a 4-kHz air–bone gap in the right ear. The incidence increased with age. Among the 192 participants who had developed an air–bone gap, 60.9% did not have a flat tympanogram or air–bone gaps at other frequencies. Conclusion These results suggest that a finding of a 4-kHz air–bone gap may reflect a combination of aging and other factors and not necessarily exclusively abnormal middle-ear function.

To assess the prevalence of tinnitus along with factors potentially associated with having tinnitus.Data were from the Beaver Dam Offspring Study, an epidemiological cohort study of aging.After a personal interview and audiometric examination, participants (n = 3267, ages 21-84 years) were classified as having tinnitus if in the past year they reported having tinnitus of at least moderate severity or that caused difficulty in falling asleep.The prevalence of tinnitus was 10.6%. In a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for age and sex, the following factors were associated with having tinnitus: hearing impairment (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.20), currently having a loud job (OR = 1.90), history of head injury (OR = 1.84), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.82), history of ear infection (men, OR = 1.75), history of target shooting (OR = 1.56), arthritis (OR = 1.46), and use of NSAID medications (OR = 1.33). For women, ever drinking alcohol in the past year was associated with a decreased risk of having tinnitus (OR = 0.56).These results suggest that tinnitus is a common symptom in this cohort and may be associated with some modifiable risk factors.

There were significant changes in health and lifestyle throughout the 20th century which may have changed temporal patterns of hearing impairment in adults. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the effect of birth cohort on the prevalence of hearing impairment in an adult population aged 45–94 years, using data collected between 1993 and 2008 from 3 cycles of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (n ¼ 3,753; ages 48–92 years at baseline) and a sample of participants from the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (n ¼ 2,173; ages � 45 years). Hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz greater than 25-dB HL [hearing level]. Descriptive analysis, generalized additive models, and alternating logistic regression models were used to examine the birth cohort effect. Controlling for age, with every 5-year increase in birth year, the odds of having hearing impairment were 13% lower in men (odds ratio ¼ 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.83, 0.92) and 6% lower in women (odds ratio ¼ 0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.89, 0.98). These results suggest that 1) older adults may be retaining good hearing longer than previous generations and 2) modifiable factors contribute to hearing impairment in adults. age groups; aging; cohort effect; hearing; hearing loss; logistic models; prevalence

Using data from a population-based cohort study, we compared four published algorithms for identifying notched audiograms and compared their resulting classifications with noise exposure history.Four algorithms: (1) , (2) , (3) , and (4) were used to identify notched audiograms. Audiometric evaluations were collected as a part of the 10-yr follow-up examinations of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study, in Beaver Dam, WI (2003-2005, N = 2395). Detailed noise exposure histories were collected by interview at the baseline examination (1993-1995) and updated at subsequent visits. An extensive history of occupational noise exposure, participation in noisy hobbies, and firearm usage was used to evaluate consistency of the notch classifications with the history of noise exposure.The prevalence of notched audiograms varied greatly by definition (31.7, 25.9, 47.2, and 11.7% for methods 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). In this cohort, a history of noise exposure was common (56.2% for occupational noise, 71.7% for noisy hobbies, 13.4% for firearms, and 81.2% for any of these three sources). Among participants with a notched audiogram, almost one-third did not have a history of occupational noise exposure (31.4, 33.0, 32.5, and 28.1% for methods 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively), and approximately 11% did not have a history of exposure to any of the three sources of noise (11.5, 13.6, 10.3, and 7.6%). Discordance was greater in women than in men.These results suggest that there is a poor agreement across existing algorithms for audiometric notches. In addition, notches can occur in the absence of a positive noise history. In the absence of an objective consensus definition of a notched audiogram and in light of the degree of discordance in women between noise history and notches by each of these algorithms, researchers should be cautious about classifying noise-induced hearing loss by notched audiograms.

Olfactory function may be important for environmental and nutritional safety and enjoyment. Population-based epidemiological studies of olfaction are needed to understand the magnitude of the health burden, identify modifiable risk factors, and develop and test prevention and treatment strategies for olfactory impairment. However, measuring olfaction in large studies is challenging, requiring repeatable, efficient methods that can measure change over time. Two large cohort studies, the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS) and the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS), included olfactory testing. In both studies, the San Diego Odor Identification Test (SDOIT) was used to measure olfaction. Subjects were asked to identify eight common household odors (such as coffee and chocolate). Olfactory impairment was defined as correctly identifying fewer than six out of eight odorants after two trials. The EHLS participants were age 53-95 years at the time of the first measurement (1998-2000), and participants in the BOSS were age 21-84 years. The prevalence of olfactory impairment in the EHLS was 25% overall, more common in men than women, and increased with age. Five years later olfaction was measured a second time and the majority (84%) of the EHLS participants were classified the same. Among those with impairment at the base line nearly one-third (31%) improved to unimpaired. This heterogeneity in olfactory impairment has unique implications for data analyses and predicting outcomes and associations. Preliminary data from the BOSS suggest the prevalence of olfactory impairment may be lower in younger generations. All these factors point to a continuing need for epidemiological studies of olfaction.

A population-based study to assess the use of hearing protection devices by older adults during noisy recreational activities was performed. The population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study was designed to measure the prevalence of hearing loss in adults residing in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The use of hearing protection devices during noisy recreational activities was assessed by performing three examinations over a period of 10 years (1993-1995, no. of participants (n)=3753, aged 48-92 years; 1998-2000, n=2800, aged 53-97 years; 2003-2005, n=2395, aged 58-100 years). The recreational activities included hunting, target shooting, woodworking/carpentry, metalworking, driving loud recreational vehicles, and performing yard work using either power tools or a chain saw. The prevalence of using hearing protection devices during any of these activities increased with time (9.5%, 15.0%, and 19.9% at baseline, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively). However, the use of hearing protection devices remained low for most activities. Those under the age of 65 were twice as likely to use hearing protection devices during noisy activities than were older adults. Men, those with a hearing handicap, and those with significant tinnitus were more likely to use hearing protection devices. Smokers and the less educated were less likely to use hearing protection devices. The results demonstrated that many adults expose themselves to potentially damaging recreational noise, leaving them at risk for hearing loss.

Importance Hearing impairment is common in adults, but few studies have addressed it in the US Hispanic/Latino population. Objective To determine the prevalence of hearing impairment among US Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse backgrounds and determine associations with potential risk factors. Design, Setting, and Participants The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a population-based sample of Hispanics/Latinos in four US communities (Bronx, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and San Diego, California). Examinations were conducted from 2008 through 2011. The HCHS/SOL examined 16 415 self-identified Hispanic/Latino persons aged 18 to 74 years recruited from randomly selected households using a stratified 2-stage area probability sample design based on census block groups and households within block groups. Main Outcomes and Measures Hearing thresholds were measured by pure-tone audiometry. Hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz greater than 25 dB hearing level. Bilateral hearing impairment required a PTA greater than 25 dB hearing level in both ears. Multivariable analyses included adjustments for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, body mass index, and medical conditions. Results The prevalence of hearing impairment was 15.06% (SE, 0.44%) overall, and 8.24% (SE, 0.33%) had bilateral hearing impairment. The prevalence of hearing impairment was higher among people 45 years and older, ranging by Hispanic/Latino background from 29.35% to 41.20% among men and 17.89% to 32.11% among women. The multivariable-adjusted odds of hearing impairment was greater for participants of Puerto Rican background compared with Mexican background (odds ratio [OR], 1.57 [95% CI, 1.10-2.25]). The odds of hearing impairment were lower with more education (OR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.59-0.86] for at least high school) and higher income (OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.36-0.92] for >$75 000 vs ≤$10 000). Noise exposure (OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.07-1.70]), diabetes (OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.27-1.94]), and prediabetes (OR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.12-1.67]) were associated with hearing impairment. Conclusions and Relevance Hearing impairment is a common problem for older Hispanics/Latinos in these communities and is associated with socioeconomic factors, noise exposure, and abnormal glucose metabolism. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these factors are involved in the etiology of hearing impairment and to identify ways to prevent or delay age-related changes in hearing.

Background A growing body of literature suggests an association between cigarette smoking and hearing loss. Objective To assess the relation between levels of serum cotinine, a biomarker of exposure to tobacco smoke, and incident hearing loss. Design A cross-sectional, incident, case-control study of participants selected from a population-based cohort. Setting Testing was conducted at the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, Beaver Dam, Wis. Participants A total of 197 participants with incident hearing loss and 394 control participants, aged 53 to 75 years, selected from the 2800 participants of the 5-year follow-up examination of the population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study, 1998-2000. Main Outcome Measure Incident hearing loss. The incidence of hearing loss was defined as a pure-tone average of thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz greater than 25-dB hearing level in either ear at follow-up among those without hearing loss at baseline. Results No significant associations were found between serum cotinine levels and incident hearing loss. Conclusions These results were not consistent with a previous report, which found cross-sectional associations between prevalent hearing loss and current smoking and environmental tobacco smoke exposure in the home. Longer-term longitudinal studies of smoking and/or serum cotinine levels and the subsequent development of hearing loss may help clarify these associations.

Context Hearing impairment affects many older adults, but the incidence is unknown. Objective To determine the 5-year incidence and progression of hearing impairment. Design A longitudinal, population-based study of adults aged 48 to 92 years at baseline examination. Hearing sensitivity was measured twice, 5 years apart. Setting Testing was conducted at the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, Beaver Dam, Wis. Participants A total of 1636 participants without hearing loss and 1085 participants with hearing loss at the baseline examination in 1993-1995 were reexamined in 1998-2000. Main Outcome Measure The examinations included otoscopy, screening tympanometry, and tone air- and bone-conduction audiometry. Incidence of hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) of thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (PTA0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) greater than 25 dB HL (hearing level) in either ear at follow-up among those without hearing loss at baseline. Progression was defined as a change of more than 5 dB in the PTA0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHzamong those with hearing loss at baseline. Results The 5-year incidence of hearing impairment was 21%. More than half of those with hearing loss at baseline experienced a decline in hearing. Age was an important risk factor for both incidence and progression.Male sex, occupation, and education were associated with the incidence of hearing loss after adjusting for age. Conclusions Older adults have a high risk of developing hearing loss. Among those with hearing loss, most experience further declines in hearing sensitivity over time. These data indicate that hearing impairment is an important public health problem and underscore the need for appropriate hearing screening and treatment.

Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear or head) can range from barely noticeable to debilitating. Although a few studies have estimated the prevalence of this condition in adult populations, we know of no population-based estimates of incidence. As part of a population-based study of hearing loss in adults aged 48 to 92 years at baseline in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, self-reported data on tinnitus were obtained at the baseline examination (1993-1995; N = 3753) and again 5 years later (1998-2000; N = 2800). A person was classified as having tinnitus if their tinnitus was at least moderate in severity or caused difficulty in falling asleep. The prevalence of tinnitus at baseline was 8.2 percent. The 5-year incidence of tinnitus among the 2513 participants at risk was 5.7 percent. Risk factors for prevalent and incident tinnitus were evaluated. The results suggest that tinnitus is a common problem for older adults and is associated with some modifiable risk factors.

There are no recent population-based data on the prevalence of hearing loss in older adults using standard audiometric testing. The population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study was designed to measure the prevalence of hearing loss in adults aged 48-92 years, residing in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Hearing thresholds were measured with standardized protocols using pure-tone air- and bone-conduction audiometry in sound-treated booths. The examination also included an otoscopic evaluation, screening tympanogram, and a questionnaire on hearing-related medical history, noise exposure, other potential risk factors, and self-perceived hearing handicap. Of the 4,541 eligible people, 3,753 (82.6%) participated in the hearing study (1993-1995). The average age of participants was 65.8 years, and 57.7% were women. The prevalence of hearing loss was 45.9%. The odds of hearing loss increased with age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.88 for 5 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80-1.97) and were greater for men than women (OR = 4.42, 95% CI 3.73-5.24). The male excess of hearing loss remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, education, noise exposure, and occupation (OR = 3.65). These results demonstrate that hearing loss is a very common problem affecting older adults. Epidemiologic studies are needed to understand the genetic, environmental, and sex-related determinants of age-related hearing loss and to identify potential intervention strategies.

Hearing impairment (HI) is one of the most common chronic conditions in older adults affecting at least 29 million Americans.1 Population-based epidemiological prevalence estimates range from 20.6% in adults ages 48–59 years to 90% in adults over 80 years old.2 The ten-year incidence of HI in these two age groups has been estimated to be 22% and 100% respectively.3 Furthermore, severity of this condition has been shown to be associated with poorer quality of life, communication difficulties, impaired activities of daily living, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction.4,5 Besides older age and male sex, environmental factors such as loud noise, socioeconomic status (SES), and ear infections have been associated with HI.1,3,6–8 Traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors may also be important contributors to worse hearing, although the findings from different epidemiological cohorts have been inconsistent. Associations have been found between HI and history of smoking,6,9 CVD including myocardial infarction and stroke,6,10 higher blood pressure or hypertension,10,11 and diabetes.6,12 Most data regarding the association of CVD risk factors and HI have come from the study of cohorts of older persons, after noise and occupational exposures have ceased. Fewer studies have focused on risk factors for HI in younger adults where there may be other competing exposures. Recent reports from the NHANES (age range 20–69 years) have shown that those with increased occupational and firearm noise exposure, increased pack-years of smoking, and the presence of diabetes are more likely to have HI.8,13 Epidemiological data are needed to characterize the burden of HI across all adult age groups, especially in those under age 60 years. In addition, to investigate associations between CVD risk factors and HI, both pure-tone and speech audiometry (word recognition in competing message (WRCM)) were used in analytic modeling as there may be both peripheral and central dysfunction in HI. Identifying possible modifiable risk factors may allow for early interventions to delay the onset of HI and diminish the impact on quality of life.

Context.—Clinical studies have suggested that cigarette smoking may be associated with hearing loss, a common condition affecting older adults.Objective.—To evaluate the association between smoking and hearing loss.Design.—Population-based, cross-sectional study.Setting.—Community of Beaver Dam, Wis.Participants.—Adults aged 48 to 92 years. Of 4541 eligible subjects, 3753 (83%) participated in the hearing study.Main Outcome Measures.—The examination included otoscopy, screening tympanometry, and pure-tone air-conduction and bone-conduction audiometry. Smoking history was ascertained by self-report. Hearing loss was defined as a pure-tone average (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) greater than 25-dB hearing level in the worse ear.Results.—After adjusting for other factors, current smokers were 1.69 times as likely to have a hearing loss as nonsmokers (95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.17). This relationship remained for those without a history of occupational noise exposure and in analyses excluding those with non–age-related hearing loss. There was weak evidence of a dose-response effect. Nonsmoking participants who lived with a smoker were more likely to have a hearing loss than those who were not exposed to a household member who smoked (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.74).Conclusions.—These data suggest that environmental exposures may play a role in age-related hearing loss. If longitudinal studies confirm these findings, modification of smoking habits may prevent or delay age-related declines in hearing sensitivity.