Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity and Objectively-Measured Hearing Sensitivity among Coronary Artery Disease and Congestive Heart Failure Patients: Cardio-Auditory Paradigm

Abstract

Paul D. Loprinzi, Chelsea Joyner

Background: Some studies suggest an association between cardiovascular function (particularly cardiomyopathy) and hearing function, termed cardioauditory function. Physical activity is favorably associated with both cardiovascular and auditory function. However, whether physical activity is beneficially associated with auditory function among those with cardiovascular disease, is unknown, which was this study’s purpose. Methods: Data from the 2003-2006 NHANES were utilized, including 136 adults with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease. Physical activity (accelerometry) and auditory function were objectively measured. Results: Physical activity was not associated with hearing function (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01; P=0.91). Results were similar when examining the association for those with coronary artery disease (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1.01; P=0.89) or congestive heart failure (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1.01; P=0.65). Conclusions: Unlike findings in the broader population, physical activity behavior was not associated with hearing impairment among those with coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure. However, these findings provide suggestive evidence that hearing impairment among those with coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure may not be restricting these patients free-living physical activity behavior.