The association between cardiovascular health and peripheral and central auditory functions in adults: a protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionThe ability to process sounds decreases with advancing age and the already high prevalence of people with hearing loss (HL) is estimated to increase further over time. Hearing loss reduces speech identification which is important for day-to-day communication. In addition, it can lead to social isolation, depression, and lower quality of life. Current hearing rehabilitation strategies (eg, hearing aids) provide some benefits, but are not always accepted by hearing-impaired listeners and are less successful in real-life listening situations. Consequently, alternative rehabilitation strategies, such as the manipulation of cardiovascular (CV) health for the prevention and rehabilitation of HL, should be explored. Some research suggests that CV health and auditory functions are related, but the existence of such a link has not been systematically evaluated. This manuscript outlines the protocol for a systematic review of published research on the association between CV health and peripheral and central auditory functions across the adult lifespan and for all levels of hearing abilities. Method and analysisThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) checklist will be followed. Studies included for analysis will be original peer-reviewed articles, measuring cardiovascular health and hearing abilities to explore their relationship. Participants will be aged [≥]18 years and will have various levels of hearing sensitivity and of CV health. Databases will be searched, using key words, to obtain evidence that meets the defined set of inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and examined by two reviewers. Quality checks will occur, and, if appropriate, a meta-analysis will be performed. Data analysis will be completed and reported in a full systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines. Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval is needed for the systematic review as only published data will be analysed. Findings will be disseminated at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022353002 STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY- The protocol follows the guidelines set out in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). - The systematic review will consider both direct and indirect measures of CV health. - The relationship of CV health with peripheral and with central auditory functioning will be examined. - Results will indicate whether the manipulation of CV health could be used as an alternative rehabilitation strategy for HL. - The systematic review will only include studies in the English language.