Mediating Role of Oral Problems in the Link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk and Hearing Difficulties: A Cross-sectional Study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019–2023

Key Points

• The study aims to explore how oral problems mediate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea risk and hearing difficulties in adults.
• Analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2023.
• Used the STOP-BANG questionnaire to assess obstructive sleep apnea risk.
• Evaluated self-reported hearing difficulties and oral health problems.
• Increased obstructive sleep apnea risk correlated with higher hearing difficulties.
• Oral health problems accounted for a small portion of the association between OSA risk and hearing issues.
• Findings suggest the need for considering oral and sleep-related health in relation to hearing outcomes.