Hearing and Balance in Healthy Aging Project: Characterization of Hearing, Balance, and Other Associated Disorders in Three Population Groups Aged 55 and Over

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Active aging emphasizes optimizing health and participation for a better quality of life as people age. This paper explores the significant impact of hearing loss and balance disorders on the elderly. Age-related hearing loss is thought to contribute to communication breakdown and cognitive dysfunctions. The “hearing and balance in healthy aging” project focuses on early detection, mitigation, and advocacy. Objectives include exploring epidemiological traits, evaluating overall well-being impact, proving positive intervention effects, and advocating societal care for the elderly with hearing loss and balance disorders, aiming to reduce their broader impact on cognition, independence, and sociability. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study is observational, prospective study. Subjects over 55 years old with a follow-up every year or every 2 years were divided into three groups, according to their hearing and balance: within the normal range (group A), detected and not treated (group B), and detected and treated (group C). At each visit, they underwent a series of tests or questionnaires, evaluating different areas: hearing, balance, cognition, depression, dependence, tinnitus, loneliness, health. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 710 patients were included in the study. The distribution of patients was as follows: group A – 210 patients, group B – 302 patients, and group C – 198 patients. Significant differences were found between the three groups related to age, sex, educational level, bilingualism, and work activity. In group C, there was a higher percentage of males, older than in groups A and B, and the percentage of individuals with a university education was lower (28%), as was the rate of bilingualism (23%). In terms of hearing, significant differences were found in the three groups in the mean PTA, speech discrimination in quiet, and the HINT test, with worse results for group C. Only patients in group C presented a perception of hearing impairment, and the handicap caused by hearing impairment worsened from group A to C. Concerning balance, both tests performed (TuGT and DHI) revealed increased difficulty in maintaining autonomous walking from group A to C, which, again, exhibited the worst results, with statistically significant differences across the group. Analysis about cognition revealed significant differences in DSST questionnaires and in TMT scores, where group C had the worst scores. In HUI3 questionnaire scores, the differences between each and every group were statistically significant, with group C showing moderate disability. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This extensive analysis, encompassing a considerable number of subjects, reveals significant findings that have important implications for the early prevention of hearing loss and its consequent consequences. At the same time, these data represent an initial exploration, which raises the need for in-depth examinations of additional factors and longer follow-up to continue contributing insights and knowledge for a healthy aging.