Summary: A new study has identified a potential link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 159,000 individuals, finding that every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57% higher risk of Parkinson’s. While the findings highlight a strong association, the causality between hearing loss and Parkinson’s remains unclear.
The study suggests that addressing auditory function during diagnosis and follow-up care could improve patient outcomes. These insights pave the way for further research into prevention strategies and care improvements for Parkinson’s. Hearing loss, often considered an isolated issue, is increasingly recognized as intertwined with broader neurological health.
Key Facts:
- Increased Risk: A 57% higher Parkinson’s risk is linked to every 10-decibel increase in hearing impairment.
- Early Indicator: Hearing loss could serve as an early warning sign for Parkinson’s, though the relationship remains correlative.
- Holistic Care: Integrating auditory assessments into Parkinson’s care could enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
Source: Lancaster University
There may be a link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s according to research led by Lancaster University.
This is one of the first studies to examine whether sensory impairments, such as hearing loss, might increase the risk for Parkinson’s or serve as an early warning sign.
Parkinson’s UK reports that an estimated 153,000 people in the UK currently live with Parkinson’s, which is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. It is estimated that 1 in 37 people in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime.
The study entitled “Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s: A UK Biobank Analysis” is published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders.
Researchers analysed data from the UK Biobank, a biomedical database containing data from half a million participants across the UK. They looked at data from 159,395 individuals who had previously undergone a hearing test measuring their ability to detect speech in noisy environments and had no history of Parkinson’s at the time of the assessment.
Over an average follow-up period of 14.24 years, 810 participants were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The analysis revealed a 57% increased risk of Parkinson’s for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing impairment.
Dr Megan Readman, ESRC Post Doctoral Research Fellow from Lancaster University’s Department of Psychology, led the study.
She said: “These findings are incredibly important; first, this is one of the first studies to look at how hearing impairments may increase risk for Parkinson’s or be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s.
“Secondly, as our findings suggest, hearing loss is intricately related to Parkinson’s so it may be beneficial for auditory functioning and the management of auditory impairment to be considered at the time of diagnosis and follow-up care.”
However, Dr Readman stressed that it is not clear if the link between Parkinson’s and hearing loss is causal or if there is simply a correlation.
“We do not know whether hearing loss can cause Parkinson’s, or if there is a common underlying cause for both conditions.”
The other authors included Yang Wang and Fang Wan, Sally Linkenauger, Trevor Crawford and Christopher Plack plus Ian Fairman who has Parkinson’s and hearing impairment.
Professor Plack said: “It is increasingly clear that hearing loss is not an isolated condition but is associated with several other disorders. Understanding these links is vital if we are to provide effective patient care, improving independence and quality of life for the individuals concerned.”
By identifying factors that might contribute to its onset, such as hearing impairment, researchers hope to pave the way for new strategies in prevention and care.
Dr Readman said: “Our findings suggest hearing impairment is intricately related to Parkinson’s and underscore the potential benefits of addressing auditory function in Parkinson’s diagnosis and follow-up care.”
Professor Trevor Crawford said: “This important study is the latest discovery in a decade-long series of research on neurodegenerative disorders, conducted by our team at Lancaster University in collaboration with colleagues across the UK.”
About this Parkinson’s disease and hearing loss research news
Author: Gillian Whitworth
Source: Lancaster University
Contact: Gillian Whitworth – Lancaster University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s: A UK biobank analysis” by Megan Readman et al. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
Abstract
Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s: A UK biobank analysis
Background
Hearing impairment is implicated as a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s) incidence, with evidence suggesting that clinically diagnosed hearing loss increases Parkinson’s risk 1.5–1.6 fold over 2–5 years follow up.
However, the evidence is not unanimous with additional studies observing that self-reported hearing capabilities do not significantly influence Parkinson’s incidence.
Thus, additional cohort analyses that draw on alternative auditory measures are required to further corroborate the link between Parkinson’s and hearing impairment.
Objectives
To determine whether hearing impairment, estimated using a speech-in-noise test (the Digit Triplet Test, DTT), is a risk factor for Parkinson’s incidence.
Methods
This was a pre-registered prospective cohort study using data from the UK Biobank. Data pertaining to 159,395 individuals, who underwent DTT testing and were free from Parkinson’s at the point of assessment, were analysed. A Cox Proportional Hazard model, controlling for age, sex and educational attainment was conducted.
Results
During a median follow up of 14.24 years, 810 cases of probable Parkinson’s were observed. The risk of incident Parkinson’s increased with baseline hearing impairment [hazard ratio: 1.57 (95%CI: 1.018, 2.435; P = .041)], indicating 57 % increase in risk for every 10 dB increase in speech-reception threshold (SRT).
However, when hearing impairment was categorised in accordance with UK Biobank SRT norms neither ‘Insufficient’ nor ‘Poor’ hearing significantly influenced Parkinson’s risk compared to ‘Normal’ hearing.
Conclusions
The congruence of these findings with prior research further supports the existence of a relationship between hearing impairment and Parkinson’s incidence.
