Article

Previous studies have suggested that hearing loss, which is highly
prevalent but undertreated in older adults, may be associated with gait and
physical functioning. Determining if hearing loss is independently associated
with gait speed is critical toward understanding whether hearing rehabilitative
interventions could help mitigate declines in physical functioning in older
adults. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 1999 to 2002 cycles of
the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey during which participants
50-69 years (n=1180) underwent hearing and gait speed assessments. Hearing was
defined by a pure tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5-4kHz tones in the
better-hearing ear. Gait speed was obtained in a timed 20-ft (6.1m) walk. Linear
and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between
hearing loss and gait speed while adjusting for demographic and cardiovascular
risk factors. Analyses incorporated sampling weights to yield results
generalizable to the U.S. population. RESULTS: In a model adjusted for
demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, a hearing loss was associated with
slower gait speed (-0.05m/s per 25dB of hearing loss [95% CI: -0.09 to -0.02])
and an increased odds of having a gait speed <1.0m/s (OR=2.0 per 25dB of hearing
loss, 95% CI: 1.2-3.3). The reduction in gait speed associated with a 25dB
hearing loss was equivalent to that associated with an age difference of
approximately 12 years. CONCLUSIONS: Greater hearing loss is independently
associated with slower gait speed. Further studies investigating the mechanistic
basis of this association and whether hearing rehabilitative interventions could
affect gait and physical functioning are needed.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS