MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, AND BILATERAL HEARING-LOSS IN HISPANIC ADULTS

Studies in non-Hispanic whites have documented higher rates of hearing loss in adults with depression versus those without depression. Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to investigate associations between depression and bilateral hearing los s in Cuban-American, Mexican-American, and Puerto Rican adults 20-74 y ears of age. Pure tone thresholds were calculated by averaging thresho lds obtained at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz separately for each ear, Hearin g loss was defined as bilateral pure tone average threshold levels gre ater than 25 db. Lifetime history of a major depressive episode was as sessed by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, and depressive symptoms w ere assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Schedu le. Prevalence of overall hearing loss was consistently lower in Hispa nics with a history of major depressive disorder than among those with out such a history. Odds of bearing impairment was significantly great er among Puerto-Ricans reporting more depressive symptoms versus fewer symptoms. However, no such associations were found among Mexican-Amer icans or Cuban-Americans. In conclusion, despite the findings in Puert o Ricans with depressive symptoms short of major depression, hearing i mpaired Hispanics overall do not appear al increased risk of major dep ressive disorder. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.