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Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between hearing impairment and physical functioning among Chinese older adults: A five-year national population-based cohort study

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Hearing impairment is a common treatable condition and risk factor for various adverse health outcomes. Associations between hearing impairment and physical functioning have been documented in populations from developed countries, but evidence in the Chinese population remains limited. This study aims to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of hearing impairment and physical functioning among Chinese older adults. Methods We utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2015. Hearing impairment was assessed by a self-reported question, and physical functioning was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including gait speed, time of 5 chair stands, and balance. We examined mean differences in physical functioning using generalized estimating equations, with linear models for continuous outcomes and ordinal logistic models for balance. Longitudinal trajectories were modeled to compare rates of change between participants with different hearing statuses. Results Among 11,620 participants aged 60 years or above, hearing impairment was associated with lower SPPB composite scores, slower gait speed, longer chair stand time, and higher odds of poor balance. Physical functioning declined with increasing years after age 60 among participants with both normal and impaired hearing; however, no significant differences in their rates of change were observed. Conclusion Our findings suggest that self-reported hearing impairment was associated with cross-sectional differences but not with differential longitudinal changes of physical functioning outcomes among Chinese older adults. Future research with a longer follow-up duration is warranted, and rising awareness of hearing health among older adults is called for.
DOI: 10.1016/j.aggp.2026.100282
Authors: Huiyuan Zhou, Zhengting He, Xiong Ding, Ruolin Zhang, Jie Hao, Xian Zhang, Xiaojun Ding, Lijing L. Yan
Institutions: Harvard University, Duke Kunshan University, Johns Hopkins University, Jiangsu University, Harbin Medical University, Chinese Center For Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan University, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Rochester Medicine
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,150
OpenAlex ID: W7160030043
FWCI:
Cites: 53
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Related to: 10