Evidence for an association between hearing impairment and disrupted sleep: Scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: Hearing impairment (HI) is the most common sensory impairment and may negatively impact sleep through reduced auditory input. Factors associated with HI such as anxiety regarding communication in daily life may also adversely impact an individual’s sleep. Here, research on the relationship between HI and sleep disruption was catalogued using scoping review methodology. Method: A systematic strategy was employed to search various electronic databases. This review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review Extension. Results: Sixteen records met inclusion criteria. Studies have investigated sleep in HI as a primary aim in noise-exposed workers or large surveys in older participants. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies report alterations to sleep architecture of potential neuroplastic origins. Studies reporting sleep as a secondary aim generally report poorer sleep in HI participants. Conclusions: This scoping review has catalogued evidence that altered or negatively impacted sleep may be associated with HI. Potential confounding factors, mechanisms, and considerations for future research are discussed.