Individuals with an increased number of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and better performance on a smoking metric had a significantly protective effect regarding hearing loss development, according to a study published in Clinical Otolaryngology. Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective cohort study to analyze the connection between hearing loss and ideal CVH metrics. Participants (N=6,974) underwent an initial check-up between 2000 and 2006, and a follow-up check-up more than 10 years later. Hearing thresholds were measured at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz. Individuals with a best ear pure-tone audiometry four-frequency average of more than 25 dB HL were defined as having hearing loss. The ideal CVH metrics were classified into seven categories based on the American Heart Association’s definition. The associations of hearing loss with the sum of the ideal CVH metrics and each ideal CVH metric were examined. The OR of hearing loss was .74 for participants with five to seven ideal CVH metrics (95% CI, 0.59- 0.93) compared with those with zero to two ideal CVH metrics. Among the CVH metrics, participants with an ideal smoking status might have reduced odds of developing hearing loss.

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