Medical College of Wisconsin
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Low bone mineral density is associated with balance and hearing impairments. Ann Epidemiol 2014 Jan;24(1):58-62

Date

11/23/2013

Pubmed ID

24263001

DOI

10.1016/j.annepidem.2013.10.012

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84890126341 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   46 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Bone demineralization affects the skeletal system, including the temporal bone, which contains the cochlea and the vestibular labyrinth. However, research on the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with balance and hearing sensitivity is limited with conflicting results. Therefore, we examined the relationship in a population representative sample.

METHODS: We analyzed 8863 participants to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) aged 40 years and older. Total and head BMD were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Balance was evaluated using the Romberg Test of Standing Balance on Firm and Compliant Support Surfaces condition 4, also indicative of vestibular dysfunction. Hearing condition was self-reported. The associations of total and head BMD with balance and hearing were assessed using multiple and multinomial logistic regressions adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS: On multiple logistic regression, low total BMD was associated with balance impairment (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-4.75), especially in older adults (≥65 years old; OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.07-12.85). In multinomial regression, low total BMD was associated with report of significant hearing impairment in older adults (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 1.20-23.26).

CONCLUSIONS: Low BMD is associated with balance and hearing impairments, especially in older adults.

Author List

Mendy A, Vieira ER, Albatineh AN, Nnadi AK, Lowry D, Gasana J

Author

Janvier Gasana MD, MPH, PhD Adjunct Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Absorptiometry, Photon
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Audiometry, Pure-Tone
Auditory Threshold
Bone Density
Confidence Intervals
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Hearing Loss
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Middle Aged
Nutrition Surveys
Postural Balance
Prevalence
Self Report
Socioeconomic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States