title: Accelerometer-Determined Physical Activity and Mortality in a National Prospective Cohort Study: Considerations by Hearing Sensitivity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous work demonstrates that hearing impairment and physical inactivity are associated with premature all-cause mortality. The purpose of this study was to discern whether increased physical activity among those with hearing impairment can produce survival benefits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used, with follow-up through 2011. Physical activity was objectively measured over 7 days via accelerometry. Hearing sensitivity was objectively measured using a modified Hughson Westlake procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 1,482 participants, 152 died during the follow-up period (10.26%, unweighted); the unweighted median follow-up period was 89 months (interquartile range = 74-98 months). For those with normal hearing and after adjustments, for every 60-min increase in physical activity, adults had a 19% (HR [Hazard Ratio] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.48-1.35]; p = .40) reduced risk of all-cause mortality; however, this association was not statistically significant. In a similar manner, physical activity was not associated with all-cause mortality among those with mild hearing loss (HR = 0.76; 95% CI [0.51-1.13]; p = .17). However, after adjustments, and for every 60-min increase in physical activity for those with moderate or greater hearing loss, there was a 20% (HR = 0.20; 95% CI [0.67-0.95]; p = .01) reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical activity may help to prolong survival among those with greater hearing impairment.
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Loprinzi
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D009043:Motor Activity; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult