Abstract
BACKGROUND: Triglycerides and fasting glycemic index are biomarkers used to assess the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. It and its derivatives such as the TyG-BMI index are currently able to reflect the degree of insulin resistance and are closely related to a variety of metabolic diseases. The relationship between the TyG-BMI index and hearing loss remains underexplored, particularly in the context of aging and public health. This study investigates the association of the TyG index, BMI index, and TyG-BMI index with hearing loss, with a focus on their potential implications for the aging population. METHODS: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database were analyzed using R software. We applied multi-factor logistic regression, linear regression, restricted cubic splines, and subgroup analyses to assess the impact of the TyG index, BMI index, and TyG-BMI index on hearing loss across different age groups. RESULTS: The TyG index was not significantly associated with hearing loss. However, both the BMI index and the TyG-BMI index exhibited a positive correlation with hearing loss, particularly among older individuals. The results suggest that as the population ages, higher BMI and TyG-BMI indices may increase the risk of hearing impairment. CONCLUSION: While the TyG index does not show a significant link to hearing loss, higher BMI and TyG-BMI indices are associated with an increased risk of hearing loss, especially in older adults. These findings highlight the importance of considering aging-related factors in public health initiatives aimed at preventing hearing loss. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations and to develop age-inclusive strategies for addressing hearing impairment in the aging population.