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1 "Hearing impairment"
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Original Article
Combined effect of anemia and chronic rhinitis on hearing loss in Korean adults: a nationwide observational study
Yeong Jun Ju, Woorim Kim, Jina Han, Soon Young Lee
Epidemiol Health. 2024;46:e2024063.   Published online July 15, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2024063
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AbstractAbstract AbstractSummary PDF
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Studies have suggested an association between hearing loss and anemia. Hearing loss has also been linked to rhinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and sinus mucosa. Few studies have concurrently explored the relationships between hearing loss, anemia, and rhinitis. This study was conducted to investigate the association between hearing loss and anemia and to further analyze the potential role of rhinitis in this relationship.
METHODS
Data were collected from the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hearing loss was measured with an audiometer in a soundproof booth and was defined as at least moderate impairment (as indicated by a pure-tone average of ≥41 dB in the better-hearing ear). The association between hearing loss and anemia was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The combined effect of anemia and rhinitis on hearing loss was assessed with an interaction term.
RESULTS
Among the 2,772 participants, 477 (17.2%) exhibited hearing loss. Participants with anemia were more likely to experience hearing loss than those without anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.33). Furthermore, the odds of hearing loss were greater in participants with both anemia and rhinitis (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.93 to 7.43) relative to those without either condition.
CONCLUSIONS
Anemia was associated with hearing loss in individuals aged 40 years and older. Based on the analysis of combined effects, participants with anemia and chronic rhinitis were more likely to experience hearing loss than individuals without these conditions.
Summary
Korean summary
빈혈은 흔하고 잠재적으로 가역적인 상태이기 때문에, 이 연관성을 검토하는 것은 조기 및 효과적인 중재의 새로운 기회를 제시할 수 있습니다. 이 연구는 빈혈과 청력 손실 사이의 연관성을 평가하고, 이 관계에서 비염의 역할을 추가적으로 조사하는 것을 목표로 하였습니다. 연구 결과, 빈혈이 있는 개인들은 청력 손실을 겪을 가능성이 더 높다는 것이 확인되었으며, 특히 비염을 동시에 겪고 있는 경우에 두드러지게 나타났습니다. 이를 바탕으로, 청력 손실과 관련된 공중보건 문제를 해결하는 데 있어 빈혈과 비염의 효과적인 관리의 필요성을 강조합니다.
Key Message
Given that anemia is a prevalent and potentially reversible condition, examining this correlation could present novel opportunities for early and effective intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the association between anemia and hearing impairment, while further investigating the role of rhinitis in this relationship. Our findings indicated that individuals with anemia had a higher likelihood of experiencing hearing loss, particularly among those simultaneously affected by chronic rhinitis. Therefore, we emphasize the critical need for effective management of both anemia and rhinitis in addressing public health challenges related to hearing impairment.

Epidemiol Health : Epidemiology and Health
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