Role of Lung Function, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Hearing Impairment: Evidence for Causal Effects and Clinical Implications

TL;DR

This study finds that better lung function, specifically FVC, may protect against hearing impairment, suggesting a causal link.

Contribution

The study provides causal evidence linking lung function (FVC) to reduced hearing impairment risk using Mendelian randomization.

Findings

FEV1 and FVC were negatively associated with hearing impairment.

COPD was positively associated with hearing impairment.

FVC showed a causal protective effect against sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract

Objectives: Observational studies have shown that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment. However, causality remains unclear, including with respect to lung function. This study aimed to investigate the associations of lung function and COPD with hearing impairment in the UK Biobank and confirm potential causalities using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were performed using logistic regression models in a subsample of the UK Biobank. Two-sample MR analyses were performed on summary statistics for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), COPD, and sensorineural hearing loss. Results: FEV1 and FVC were negatively associated with hearing impairment, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.80 (0.77, 0.84) and 0.80 (0.76, 0.83), respectively. COPD was positively associated with hearing impairment, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.10 (1.02, 1.18). In the MR analyses, a negative association was found between FVC and sensorineural hearing loss, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.91 (0.83, 0.99). For FVE1 and COPD, no significant associations were found. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that FVC was causally associated with hearing impairment, suggesting a potential protective effect of FVC on hearing impairment.

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