Association between self-reported hearing loss and low socioeconomic status in Japan: findings from the Toyama dementia survey

Background: Age-related hearing loss reduces the quality of life in older adults. Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been reported as a risk factor for hearing loss, although this has not been verified in Japan. This study aimed to assess the association between low SES and hearing loss, excluding people with dementia, in Japan. Methods: Data from the Toyama Dementia Survey, Japan, were used. Overall, 126 patients with hearing loss and 913 unimpaired controls were identified. Participants' presentation of dementia, self-reported hearing loss, history of medically diagnosed disease (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, stroke, or angina pectoris/cardiovascular disease), lifestyle factors (alcohol consumption and smoking), and SES (educational attainment and occupation) were assessed. Any association between low SES and hearing loss was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: The odds ratio (OR) for hearing loss was higher for participants with low educational attainment than for those with high educational attainment (age- and sex-adjusted OR 3.08; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.51-6.28). After adjusting the models for SES, lifestyle factors, and medical history, the OR increased from 2.90 (95% CI, 1.40-6.01) to 3.43 (95% CI, 1.62-7.27). The OR for hearing loss for participants with blue-collar jobs compared with that of participants with white-collar jobs was not significant (age- and sex-adjusted OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.93-2.25). Older age and a history of angina pectoris or cardiovascular disease were found to increase the risk of hearing loss. Conclusions: Low educational attainment was independently associated with hearing loss in older adults without dementia in Japan.