Metabolic syndrome is associated with hearing disturbance

Abstract

Background: Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with various diseases, few studies to date have addressed the association between MetS and hearing loss. Aims/Objectives: This cross-sectional review of health examination center data sought to determine the association between MetS and hearing disturbance. Material and methods: This study involved 28,866 subjects. Height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured, and basic blood tests and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) were performed. Other factors analyzed included body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Results: Age and gender did not differ between subjects with and without MetS. PTA was slightly higher in subjects with than without MetS, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = .47). The incidence of hearing loss was no higher in subjects who met three of the five diagnostic criteria of MetS than in those who met 0-2 criteria, but was significantly higher in subjects who met four (p = .04) and five (p < .01) criteria. Conclusions and Significance: MetS may be associated with hearing loss, especially in subjects who meet four or five of the diagnostic criteria for MetS.