The Relationship of Cardiometabolic Risk and Auditory Processing among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

Abstract

Objectives There is limited research in population-based studies on auditory processing. The purpose of this work is to determine the prevalence of auditory processing impairment in the Jackson Heart Study cohort and to identify potential relationships with cardiometabolic risk factors. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Jackson Heart Study in Jackson, Mississippi. Subjects Participants of an all–African American cardiovascular study cohort (n = 1314). Methods The Quick Speech-in-Noise and Dichotic Digits, Double Pairs tests were used to assess auditory processing. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine how participants’ cardiometabolic risk factors and audiologic characteristics were associated with speech perception in noise and binaural integration. Results Quick Speech-in-Noise and Dichotic Digits, Double Pairs testing showed a prevalence of auditory processing impairment in 69% and 71% of the cohort, respectively, which was significantly related to age, hearing thresholds, sex, and education level. With covariate adjustment in statistical models for age, sex, pure tone average, and education level, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and hypertension were statistically predictive of auditory processing impairment ( P < .05). Conclusion The results suggest a high prevalence of auditory processing deficits in the Jackson Heart Study cohort. In addition, cardiometabolic and audiologic factors show a statistically significant independent relationship with auditory impairment measures.