High frequency hearing impairment and cardiovascular disease in Canada: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey

Abstract

Noise-induced stress may precipitate cardiovascular diseases. This research assessed the association between sensorineural bilateral high frequency hearing loss (HFHL), as an indication of excessive noise exposure, and cardiovascular outcomes. Participants (n = 6318, ∼50% male) 20–79 years were recruited through the cross-sectional Canadian Health Measures Survey. Questionnaires included several demographic and health-related variables. Audiometry and blood/urine collection took place in a mobile examination centre. Average thresholds ≥25 dB averaged across 3, 4, and 6 kHz defined HFHL. Logistic or linear regression models explored associations between HFHL and cardiovascular-related risk factors/outcomes. Adjusted models indicated elevated diastolic blood pressure in respondents with normal hearing, X¯ = 72.52 (95% confidence interval: 71.85–73.18) compared to the group with bilateral HFHL, X¯ = 70.28 (95%CI: 69.13–71.43), p < 0.05. Average total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1 were elevated in the normal hearing group (p < 0.05). Insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and average resting heart rate were elevated in the group with bilateral HFHL, p < 0.05. A stratified analysis by sex- and age, or history of loud occupational noise exposure, did not change the overall results. Although some findings warrant further exploration, the overall analysis did not provide compelling evidence for an association between HFHL and cardiovascular-related biomarkers, or cardiovascular diseases among Canadians aged 20–79 years.