Tinnitus, noise exposure and the risk of dementia: a prospective cohort study based on UK biobank

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaf097
• Publication Date: 2025-04-16T13:37:18Z
• Authors: Qilu Zhang; Mengyao Shi; Jing Zhang; Xiaoxiao Wang; Yi Chen; Xiangyan Yin; Yonghong Zhang

Abstract Background The burden of dementia is increasing dramatically with the population aging. Tinnitus and chronic noise exposure are associated neuropsychiatric diseases cognitive decline, but relationships between tinnitus incident remain unclear. Methods 160 032 participants from UK Biobank were included. Information on tinnitus, severity, (loud music noisy workplace) was collected at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models used to assess associations severity risk dementia. Logistic regression tinnitus. Results During a median follow-up 12.8 years, 2219 dementias recorded. Compared without those had 10% increased (hazard ratios [HR]: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20). Among compared lowest slight moderate or severe 23% (95%CI: 1.03–1.46) 64% 1.35–2.00) risks dementia, respectively. Furthermore, noise, for more than 5 years 12% (HR: 1.12, 95%CI: 1.00–1.26). In addition, longer time exposed higher odds having (P linear trend <.001). Conclusions Tinnitus, long-term related public health issues vital prevention.