13 Jul 2024 • Recent study findings suggest that high levels of dietary caffeine may contribute to hearing loss.

• The study, involving 6,082 participants, categorized individuals based on their caffeine intake and examined two types of hearing loss—speech-frequency (SFHL) and high-frequency (HFHL).

• Results revealed that participants with high caffeine intake had significantly higher rates of SFHL (15.4% vs. 10%) and HFHL (30.5% vs. 20.6%) compared to those with low intake (both p<0.001). Initial findings from unadjusted logistic regression indicated a notable increase in the likelihood of SFHL (OR [Odds ratio]=1.65) and HFHL (OR=1.69) among high caffeine consumers. Even after adjusting for potential confounding factors, the association persisted with SFHL (OR=1.35), though the link with HFHL became less pronounced (OR=1.14).

• Interestingly, the study also found that the impact of caffeine on hearing differed significantly between age groups: individuals under 65 years old showed higher risks of both SFHL and HFHL with increased caffeine consumption, whereas those 65 and older did not exhibit the same heightened risk (SFHL: p for interaction=0.002; HFHL: p for interaction <0.001).

Source:Frontiers in Neurology| Read full story