Association between body mass index and hearing acuity among adults in a rural community: A preliminary survey
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Abstract
Background: The impact of adult nutrition on hearing acuity is poorly researched. This study was designed to examine relationship between nutritional status (using body mass index [BMI]) and hearing impairment.
Methods: Data from the Bayero University Ear and Hearing Health Examination Survey 2017 were used. This was a community-based, cross-sectional descriptive survey of a sample of Tofa community in Kano State. Out of 650 participants, only 103 fulfilled the criteria designed for this study. Pure tone audiometrictesting was performed to assess for hearing impairment. Analysis was conducted for associations between hearing impairment and BMI.
Results: Prevalence of hearing impairment among adults in this population is 26.2%. Mean documented age of the participants was 41.6 years (standard deviation: ±18.55). Majority of the participants had low BMI, signifying underweight (n = 89; 86.4%) out of which 21 (23.5%) had a moderate-to-profound hearing loss.
Conclusion: These findings provide some evidence that adults with a low BMI (underweight) may also be at a risk of hearing impairment; however, more research is required. Adult malnutrition also deserves more attention.
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