Supplementary file 1_Hearing loss and incident dementia over 8 years in Black and White older adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study.docx

ObjectiveWe investigated potential racial disparities in the effects of audiometric hearing loss and its treatment on dementia and mortality among 3,602 older adults aged 68–89 years, 22% of whom were self-identified Black race.
MethodsAdjudicated all-cause dementia was determined using neurocognitive test data, proxy reports, and surveillance of hospital records and death certificates. Audiometric hearing loss, defined as the better-ear averaged pure-tone threshold (0.5–4 kHz), was categorized using clinical cutpoints. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models included hearing loss–race interaction terms.
ResultsDementia risk associated with moderate-to-severe hearing loss did not differ by race [Black participants: hazard ratio (HR): 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 2.61; White participants: HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.51; P-interaction = 0.92]. However, moderate-to-severe hearing loss was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in mortality among Black participants only (95% CI: 1.17, 4.60).
ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of including minoritized populations in hearing treatment research to build an evidence base for policy development and clinical decision-making. Hearing loss affects the health of both Black and White Americans. Racial disparities in hearing healthcare should be addressed to advance health equity for all older adults.