Associations Between Sarcopenia and Hearing Loss Considering Muscle Mass, Strength, and Activity

Objectives To investigate the association between hearing level and sarcopenia, as well as related factors including muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, among older adults. Design Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Kyotango Longevity Cohort Study, which included community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older. Hearing thresholds at 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz were measured using an audiometer. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on criteria defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between hearing level and sarcopenia and its components, adjusting for potential confounding variables. Results A total of 1032 participants (415 males) with a mean age of 73.6 years were analyzed. The mean (SD) hearing thresholds were 31.3 (17.2) dB at 1000 Hz and 43.6 (20.8) dB at 4000 Hz. Sarcopenia was present in 7% of participants (7% of males, 6% of females). In males, higher thresholds (worse hearing) at 4000 Hz were significantly associated with increased odds of sarcopenia (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08–1.37, p = 0.002), whereas no association was observed in females (interaction p = 0.008). Furthermore, in males, severe hearing loss (≥ 60 dB at 4000 Hz) was associated with a greater likelihood of sarcopenia (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.17–7.10, p for interaction = 0.02). Conclusions Poorer hearing at high frequencies was significantly associated with sarcopenia in older males but not in females. These findings suggest a potential sex-specific link between auditory function and musculoskeletal health in aging populations.