Dysphonia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, and noise complaints as probable factors associated with hearing loss among teachers / Disfonia, hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus, doenças da tireoide e queixas de ruído como prováveis fatores associados a perda auditiva em professores

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify a possible association between hearing loss and dysphonia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, and noise complaints. Methods: a cross-sectional study involving 60 teachers, mean age 47.05 years. Pure-tone threshold audiometry was used to assess hearing, the voice questionnaire and voice acoustic evaluation were used for voice perception and quality, and the standardized questionnaire verified noise complaint and comorbidities. The statistical analysis was conducted with Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests and multivariate linear regression. Results: there was a significant association between hearing loss and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and thyroid disease (both p <0.0001), but there was no association between noise complaints and hearing loss in this population. The regression showed that dysphonia (p = 0.0311) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0302) are independent risk factors for hearing loss. A correlation was found between hearing loss and voice characteristics: roughness, breathiness, tension, and resonance. Conclusion: this study showed that hypertension and thyroid diseases are factors associated with hearing loss. In addition, dysphonia and diabetes mellitus are independent factors associated with hearing loss in teachers. These results show the need for policies aimed at promoting teachers' health.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar possível associação da perda auditiva com disfonia, hipertensão arterial (HA), diabetes mellitus (DM), doenças da tireoide e queixas de ruído. Métodos: estudo transversal envolvendo 60 professores, média de idade de 47,05 anos. Foi avaliada a audição por meio da Audiometria tonal limiar, a percepção e qualidade vocal com o questionário vocal e a avaliação vocal acústica, enquanto a queixa de ruído e as comorbidades envolvidas foram investigadas com o questionário padronizado. A análise estatística utilizou os testes Ex-act de Mann Whitney, Fisher e regressão linear multivariada. Resultados: houve associação significante entre perda auditiva e DM, HA e doenças da tireoide (ambas p <0,0001), mas não foi encontrada associação entre queixa de ruído e perda auditiva nesta população. A regressão mostrou que as variáveis disfonia (p = 0,0311) e DM (p = 0,0302) são fatores de risco independentes para perda auditiva. Houve correlação entre perda auditiva e as características vocais rugosidade, soprosidade, tensão e ressonância. Conclusão: este estudo demostrou que HA e doenças da tireoide são fatores associados a perda auditiva, além disso a disfonia e DM se constituem em fatores associados independentes para a perda auditiva em professores. Estes resultados mostram a necessidade de políticas direcionadas a promoção da saúde do professor.

Possible Association between the Lack of Regular Physical Activity with Tinnitus and Headache: Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many aging-related symptoms. Studies suggest that physical activity may help to relieve tinnitus and headache. Objective: To investigate the presence of tinnitus and headache in elderly individuals by associating it with the lack of regular physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study including elderly individuals who live independently. The practice of physical activity and the complaints of headache and of tinnitus were checked by means of a questionnaire with objective questions. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and relative risk, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to determine how well each factor predicted headache while controlling for each of the other factors. Results: Based on a sample of 494 subjects, it was found that 213 (43.11%) complained of tinnitus. Among the complainants, 97 (45.53%) practiced physical activity regularly. We have confirmed associations between headache with lack of physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus (p = 0.0440). It was also observed that certain factors, such as male gender and tinnitus, are independent factors for the complaint of headache. Conclusion: We have found that headache could be a symptom related to the lack of regular physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus. (AU)

Probable Association of Hearing Loss, Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly

Abstract Introduction The aging process causes changes in body structure in a continuous manner, and contributes to clinical disorders. Life expectancy is increasing, especially in developing countries. Objective To assess the prevalence of hearing loss and its possible association with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the elderly. Methods A cross-sectional study with 519 elderly individuals aged over 60 years who underwent an audiological evaluation (pure tone audiometry), and answered a comorbidity questionnaire that included questions about age, gender, tinnitus and medical history, with data concerning DM. The dependent variable was the presence of hearing loss. The independent variables were age, gender, DM and hypertension. The variables were presented in absolute numbers and proportions, and enabled us to estimate the prevalence. The statistical analysis was performed through multiple logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals and values of p< 0.05 for the hearing loss and its associated factors. Results A total of 519 subjects of both genders with a median age of 69 years were evaluated, and the individuals who did not attend the audiometric test were excluded from the study, so the final sample was composed of 498 subjects. Sensorineural hearing loss was more prevalent (66.26%) of most frequently with bilateral hearing loss of 91.56% and 26.50% with mild degree. The statistical analysis showed that the variable DM was associated with the high frequency of hearing loss in the elderly, and according to the multiple logistic regression, the risk factors are independent of the hearing loss only for age and exposure to occupational noise. Conclusions There was a statistically significant difference between hearing loss at high frequencies and the risk factors, that is, age and DM.

Is There a Possible Association between Dietary Habits and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in the Elderly? The Importance of Diet and Counseling

Introduction Poor diet habits and inadequate intake of nutrients are a concern in the elderly. Nutritional education with guidance may improve the results of the treatment of vertigo. Objective Evaluate the presence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) associated with feeding habits. Methods Cross-sectional study with elderly people living independently.We evaluated nutritional habits through themethod of dietary 24-hour recall andmanipulation of Dix-Hallpike. Results Based on a sample of 487 individuals, 117 had BPPV. Among the 117 elderly patients with BPPV, 37 (31.62%) had inadequate feeding. From those 370 individuals without BPPV, 97 (26.21%) had inappropriate feeding. No significant association between nutritional habits and BPPV in the total population was observed (p = 0.3064). However, there was significant relation between BPPV and inadequate carbohydrate intake (p = 0.0419) and insufficient fiber intake (p = 0.03), and the diet of these subjects was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.0084). Conclusion These data correlate with the dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia status, making it extremely important to reduce the intake of fats and carbohydrates and increase the fiber intake to stabilize triglycerides and thus minimize harmful effects on the inner ear. Food readjustment is suggested in patients with BPPV, along with the work of a multidisciplinary team to improve the quality of the elderly.(AU)

Physical Activity in the Prevention of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Probable Association

Introduction Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many age-related diseases and symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the possible association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and regular physical activity in elderly subjects. Methods This cross-sectional study included 491 elderly individuals who lived independently. Physical exercise was assessed through a questionnaire and BPPV by history and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Results The present study indicates no significant association between BPPV with lack of physical activity in men and in the total population. We have confirmed associations between BPPV with lack of physical activity in women (p = 0.01). Women with a sedentary lifestyle who do not practice physical activity are 2.62 more likely to have BPPV than those with regular physical activity. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of identifying risk factors for BPPV that can be modified through specific interventions. Regular physical activity is a lifestyle with potential to decrease the risk of vertigo in women...

Queixa de vertigem e prática de atividade física regular em idosos / Vertigo complaint and regular physical activity in the elderly

OBJETIVO: investigar a presença de queixa de vertigem em pacientes idosos associando-a a prática de atividade física regular. MÉTODOS: foi realizado um estudo transversal com inclusão de indivíduos idosos com vida independente. A prática de exercícios físicos foi verificada por meio da aplicação de um questionário com perguntas objetivas a respeito da pratica exercícios físicos e queixa de vertigem. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado e Risco Relativo. RESULTADOS: a amostra foi constituída por 494 indivíduos de 60 a 95 anos e pode-se verificar que houve a associação significante (p = 0,001) entre a falta de prática de atividade física regular e queixa de vertigem e que as pessoas que não praticam atividades físicas têm 2,38 mais chances de ter vertigem do que as que praticam atividades físicas regularmente. Há constatação da associação da vertigem e falta de prática de atividade física nesta população. Houve também associação entre a falta de atividade física regular e queixa de vertigem no gênero feminino, porém, não houve esta associação no gênero masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo a presença de queixa de vertigem foi menor nos idosos praticantes de atividade física regular.

PURPOSE: to investigate the presence of vertigo in elderly patients by associating it with the practice of regular physical activity. METHODS: a cross-sectional study including elderly individuals with independent living. The physical exercise was assessed by a questionnaire with objective questions about the practice exercises and vertigo, Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and relative risk. RESULT: the sample consisted of 494 individuals from 60 to 95 years and was verify that there was a significant association (p = 0.001) between the lack of regular physical activity and vertigo and people who not practice activities physical are 2.38 more likely to have vertigo than those who engage in regular physical activity. It was observed an association of vertigo and lack of physical activity. There was also a correlation between lack of regular physical activity and vertigo in females, but there was no such association in males. CONCLUSION: In this study the presence of vertigo complaint was lower in elderly practitioners of regular physical activity.

Hearing loss in the elderly: history of occupational noise exposure

INTRODUCTION: Noise exposure is one of the most common health risk factors, and workers are exposed to sound pressure levels capable of producing hearing loss. AIM: To assess the prevalence of hearing loss in the elderly and its possible association with a history of occupational noise exposure and with sex. METHODS: A prospective study in subjects aged over 60 years. The subjects underwent anamnesis and audiological assessment. The Mann-Whitney test and multiple logistic regression, with 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05, were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 498 subjects from both sexes, and the median age was 69 years. From the comparison between men and women, we obtained the medium hearing I (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz p = 0.8318) and the mean hearing II (3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz; p < 0.0001). Comparing the thresholds of individuals with and without a history of occupational noise exposure, we obtained the medium hearing I (p = 0.9542) and the mean hearing II (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant association between hearing loss at high frequencies and the risk factors being male and occupational noise exposure.