Associations of Dietary Intake With Self-Reported Hearing Loss: Findings From the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations of dietary intake components with hearing loss. Method: Participants were from the population-based Survey of the Health of Wisconsin. The Block food frequency questionnaire measured dietary intake of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, free (added) sugars, fruits, vegetables, saturated and trans fats, and glycemic index. Intake was categorized into quintiles (Q). Hearing loss was self-reported. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations of dietary determinants with hearing loss. Results are presented as odds ratios ( OR s) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Final models were adjusted for age, sex, total energy intake, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, and regular physical activity. Results: There were 2,839 participants (56% women; M age = 48.2 [ SD = 14.5] years) included. Higher consumption of trans fat (Q5: OR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.27, 2.64]) and higher glycemic index (Q5: OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.00, 1.80]) were associated with increased odds of hearing loss. Hearing loss was associated with fruit, saturated- and trans-fat intake in women, and trans-fat intake and glycemic index in men. Conclusions: Dietary intake was associated with self-reported hearing loss. Research on mechanistic pathways of associations and public health interventions to prevent hearing loss is needed.