Associations Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Audiometric Hearing: Findings From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine, among a population-based sample of Canadian adults, if risk factors for cardiovascular disease (alone and in combination) were associated with hearing loss. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations (the latter with about 3 years of follow-up) were examined. Risk factors considered included diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and smoking. We also aimed to determine if associations were modified by sex and age group (45 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 to 86 years old at baseline). DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data collected for the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was performed. Data were collected in two waves, the first between 2012 and 2015, and the second between 2015 and 2018. Hearing was measured using screening air-conduction pure-tone audiometry. The outcome of interest was defined as the mid-frequency (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) pure-tone average for both ears. Diabetes was defined based on self-reported physician diagnosis, use of diabetes medications, or a hemoglobin A1c level ≥6.5%. Dyslipidemia was determined by blood lipid profile as defined using the Canadian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥3.5 mmol/L or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥4.3 mmol/L). Hypertension was determined by self-reported physician diagnosis or an average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or an average diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. Obesity was defined as a waist-to-height ratio ≥0.6. Smoking history was determined by self-report (current/former/never-smoker). Two composite measures of cardiovascular risk were also constructed: a count of the number of risk factors and a general cardiovascular risk profile (Framingham) score. Independent associations between risk factors for cardiovascular disease and hearing were determined using multivariable regression models. Survey weights were incorporated into the analyses. All results were disaggregated by sex. Effect modification according to age was determined using multiplicative interaction terms between the age group and each of the risk factor variables. A complete case (listwise deletion) approach was performed for the primary analysis. We then repeated the multivariable regression analyses using multiple imputation using chained equations to determine if the different approaches to dealing with missing data qualitatively changed the outcomes. RESULTS: In longitudinal analyses, hypertension and the general cardiovascular risk profile score were associated with greater loss of hearing over the 3-year follow-up period for both sexes. In addition, smoking in males and obesity in females were associated with faster rates of hearing decline. In cross-sectional analyses, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and composite measures were each independently associated with worse hearing for both sexes (although for females, obesity was only associated with hearing loss in the 55 to 64-year-old age group). The results were similar for the complete case and multiple imputation approaches, but more cross-sectional associations were observed using multiple imputation. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and smoking were associated with hearing loss. Higher combinations of risk factors increased the risk of hearing loss. Further studies are needed to confirm age and sex differences and whether interventions to address these risk factors could slow the progression of hearing loss in older adults.

Vestibular Function Correlates with Radiologic Findings in a Gymnast with 22q11.2DS.

BACKGROUND The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common identified microdeletion in humans. Anomalies of the vestibular system can occur with great frequency and are reported in the radiology literature. Fewer reports exist regarding vestibular function or its clinical features. CASE REPORT We present a case report of a competitive gymnast with 22q11.2DS who was noted to be having specific issues related to balance under conditions of competition, specifically on the balance beam. Comprehensive balance assessment provided evidence of the absence of lateral semicircular canal function, correlating with computed tomography findings and her symptoms. Counselling and targeted training greatly improved her performance. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive balance testing correlated with clinical and radiographic findings in a competitive gymnast with 22q11.2DS. Results demonstrated the functional aspect of this anomaly but also displayed the extent to which the complex interactions of all components of balance can work together to overcome balance issues under intense vestibular stress.

Is there a role for computed tomography scanning in microtia with complete aural atresia to rule out cholesteatoma?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if radiologic imaging is necessary to rule out cholesteatoma in patients with congenital aural atresia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients attending the BC Children's Hospital Microtia Clinic from January 1, 1990 through April 17, 2017 was undertaken. Patients with complete atresia of the external canal were included in the study. Available radiologic imaging and clinical records were examined for the presence or absence of cholesteatoma. RESULTS: Of the 125 charts reviewed, 102 met criteria for inclusion in the study and 79 had three-dimensional imaging completed. None of these 102 patients had radiologic or clinical evidence of cholesteatoma. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging remains an essential modality in the work-up of selected patients with microtia/atresia. It may be unnecessary in the follow-up of certain patients to rule out a congenital cholesteatoma. This imaging avoidance may reduce exposure to radiation, the potential need for general anaesthesia, and unnecessary financial cost.