Influence of metabolic syndrome in the occurrence of hearing disorders in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The assessment of hearing function in human life is important, because good hearing is important for social participation and inclusion in employment and education. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome in the occurrence of hearing disorders in patients followed in hospitals in Kinshasa. This was an analytical cross-sectional study that included 400 patients consulted in 7 hospitals in the city province of Kinshasa during the period from January 2005 to September 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biological data were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and discriminant analysis were used as a basis to document the factors associated with hearing disorders in the study population; and the statistical significance threshold was p < 5 %. The frequency of hearing loss was 40.1 % in patients with metabolic syndrome. Risk factors identified for the occurrence of hearing loss in patients with metabolic syndrome were age ≥ 60 years (aOR: 2.73 95 % CI: 1.37–5.42), waist circumference > 85 cm (Female) or > 94 cm (Male) (aOR: 2.65 95 % CI: 1.37–3.72); blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL (aOR: 2.86 95 % CI: 1.32–6.17), BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR: 2.73 95 % CI: 1.89–3.32) and in patients with insulinemia >10 IU/L (aOR: 3.37 95 % CI: 1.47–7.76). The frequency of hearing loss is high in the population studied. The components of the metabolic syndrome were identified as independent determinants of hearing loss. • The Congolese population has little information on metabolic syndrome and its consequences; • Few people know that metabolic syndrome is often the major cause of hearing and visual problems • The importance of this article allows for correct management and good monitoring of patients with metabolic syndrome in the Congolese population