Epidemiologic Hearing Studies in the USSR

Abstract

Previous studies in many areas of the world have shown that where there is a high incidence of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and high intake of saturated fats the cholesterol levels tend to be high, and hearing levels tend to be reduced. This was dramatically demonstrated in Finland. Studies in two areas of the Soviet Union again show that in one, Moscow, the higher incidence of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and higher cholesterol levels is accompanied by lower levels of hearing. In the second area, the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, the incidence of the above factors is lower and the hearing levels are better than those of Moscow. Otological participation in epidemiological studies of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease is a relatively new development. The organ of hearing, a very sensitive indicator, may give us a first clue to the cardiovascular state.