Several studies have examined the association between hearing loss (HL) and physical function, with inconsistent results.

 

Few used pure-tone thresholds and considered possible confounders in the association.

 

We examine the association between hearing loss and impaired lower extremity function, frailty syndrome, and disability in older adults.

 

The Seniors-ENRICA-2 is a cohort study that was established in 2015-2017 in Spain. The present study was conducted from December 2015 to June 2017. Data were analyzed from January 2, 2021, to March 10, 2021.

 

This cross-sectional analysis included 1644 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or older (range, 66-91 years) of both sexes.

 

Participants had hearing threshold measurements and data on impaired lower extremity function, frailty syndrome, and disability.