HUNT hearing
This investigation aims to scrutinize the prevalence, risk factors, and repercussions of hearing loss.
About the project
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Project period: 01.03.2019 - 28.02.2029 (Active)
- Coordinating Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Manager:
- Bo Lars Engdahl, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Participants:
- Shahram Moradi, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway
- Lisa Aarhus, National Institute of Occupational Health
- Geir Selbæk, University of Oslo
- Christian Myrstad, The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust
- Camilla Lytomt, National Institute of Occupational Health
- Astrid Ytrehus Jørgensen, National Institute of Occupational Health
- Ina Charlotte Molaug, National Institute of Occupational Health
- Marit Skogstad, National Institute of Occupational Health
- Hein Stigum, Physical Health and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- Norun Hjertager Krog, Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- Chuan-Ming Li, National Institutes of Health
- Howard J. Hoffman, National Institutes of Health
- Anne Pernille Mæhle Thingstad, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Pernille Thingstad, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Summary
There remains a scarcity of information regarding the prevalence, risk factors, and implications of hearing loss development. Does an increased life expectancy also result in more years of good hearing? Can we observe improved health outcomes due to better treatments for ear diseases and measures taken to reduce excessive noise exposure in workplaces? The degree of vulnerability to hearing damage varies significantly among individuals, and understanding these vulnerability factors is crucial for providing recommendations and establishing boundaries.
Hearing loss constitutes a potentially modifiable risk factor for severe health issues such as cognitive impairment, dementia, frailty, and mortality. The link between hearing loss and these outcomes may stem from factors like social isolation, communication difficulties, and a lack of cognitive reserve. Despite the growing population of elderly individuals and potentially hearing-impaired workers, our understanding of the significance of hearing loss in the context of working life remains limited.
To delve deeper into this issue, we will leverage data from HUNT, encompassing the hearing surveys conducted in HUNT 2 and 4, alongside the school surveys and population registries. This investigation aims to scrutinize the prevalence, risk factors, and repercussions of hearing loss.