Examining the Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Physical Function in Older Adults

Do you work with older adults who have both hearing loss and reduced physical functioning?

If so, you will want to read a recent article by Martinez-Amezcua and colleagues (2021) who reported a significant association between hearing loss and reduced physical functioning. These authors also reported an association between hearing loss and reduced walking endurance. 

There is limited research on the association between hearing impairment and objective physical function such as walking endurance. While physical functioning naturally declines with age, the researchers hypothesized that hearing impairment would more drastically reduce the ability of older adults to live independently.

Utilizing a cohort study of community-dwelling adults, researchers used a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to assess physical function, and a fast-paced 2-minute walk (TMW) for measurement of walking endurance. Results indicated a strong association between hearing impairment and increased risk in older adults for mobility limitations.

Review the full article to read the details of their work, as well as some of the additional analyses completed on this topic.  

Reference

Martinez-Amezcua P, Powell D, Kuo P, et al. (2021) Association of age-related hearing impairment with physical functioning among community-dwelling older adults in the US. JAMA Network Open, 4(6):e2113742.