scholarly journals Examination of Hearing in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Population: Role of Extended-High-Frequency Audiometry in the Diagnosis of Subclinical Involvement

Scientifica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mar Lasso de la Vega ◽  
Ithzel Maria Villarreal ◽  
Julio Lopez-Moya ◽  
Jose Ramon Garcia-Berrocal

Objective. The aim of this study is to analyze the high-frequency hearing levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to determine the relationship between hearing loss, disease duration, and immunological parameters.Materials and Methods.A descriptive cross-sectional study including fifty-three patients with rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The control group consisted of 71 age- and sex-matched patients from the study population (consecutively recruited in Madrid “Area 9,” from January 2010 to February 2011). Both a pure tone audiometry and an extended-high-frequency audiometry were performed.Results. Extended-high-frequency audiometry diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss in 69.8% of the patients which exceeded the results obtained with pure tone audiometry (43% of the patients). This study found significant correlations in patients with sensorineural hearing loss related to age, sex, and serum anti-cardiolipin (aCL) antibody levels.Conclusion.Sensorineural hearing loss must be considered within the clinical context of rheumatoid arthritis. Our results demonstrated that an extended-high-frequency audiometry is a useful audiological test that must be performed within the diagnostic and follow-up testing of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, providing further insight into a disease-modifying treatment or a hearing loss preventive treatment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 79-82
Author(s):  
Shelja Deswal ◽  
Jyoti Yadav ◽  
Mridul Yadav

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem disease of unknown etiology is characterized by persistent inflammatory synovitis, usually involving peripheral joints in a symmetric distribution. RA is well known to affect many organ systems, including the auditory system and can involve the incudomalleolar and incudostapedial joints altering the ossicular mechanics in response to static air pressure modifications. Objective: This study evaluates the degree of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology in collaboration with departments of Medicine and ENT Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. 25 rheumatoid arthritis female patients with disease duration of more than five years as per 1987 criteria of American college of rheumatology were included in the study to study the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on hearing. 25 healthy volunteer females were included in control group. Audiological evaluation was based on pure tone audiometry. Results: We observed a high incidence of hearing loss in rheumatoid arthritis patients as compared to corresponding age and sex matched controls. Nine RA (36%) cases, were having hearing threshold more than 25 dB. Of the total of 36% patients having hearing loss 24% patients had sensorineural hearing loss. Bilateral hearing loss was seen in 8% of cases. Conclusion: Based on our study it can be postulated that patients with RA are at higher risk of hearing impairment. Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis, hearing, sensorineural, audiometry.


2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (11) ◽  
pp. 1039-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Suzuki ◽  
Y Takanashi ◽  
A Koyama ◽  
Y Katori

AbstractObjectivesSodium bromate is a strong oxidant, and bromate intoxication can cause irreversible severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. This paper reports the first case in the English literature of bromate-induced hearing loss with hearing recovery measured by formal audiological assessment.Case reportA 72-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with complaints of profound hearing loss, nausea, diarrhoea and anuria after bromate ingestion in a suicide attempt. On admission, pure tone audiometry and auditory brainstem responses showed profound bilateral deafness. Under the diagnosis of bromate-induced acute renal failure and sensorineural hearing loss, continuous haemodiafiltration was performed. When dialysis was discontinued, pure tone audiometry and auditory brainstem responses showed partial threshold recovery from profound deafness.ConclusionSevere-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss is a common symptom of bromate intoxication. Bromate-induced hearing loss may be partially treated, and early application of continuous haemodiafiltration might be useful as a treatment for this intractable condition.


2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (11) ◽  
pp. 995-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Gündoğan ◽  
A Bayram ◽  
M Kalkan ◽  
İ Özcan

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the plasma levels of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and to compare the pre- and post-treatment levels in patients responsive and non-responsive to therapy.MethodsThe study included 108 subjects: 51 with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and 57 controls. For ESM-1 and PTX-3 analyses, blood samples were collected before and three months after treatment initiation in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group and once for the control group. Treatment response was evaluated three months after therapy initiation with pure tone audiometry, and the patients were divided into two groups: responsive and non-responsive to treatment.ResultsSerum ESM-1 levels were significantly higher in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group than the control group, whereas the difference was not significant for PTX-3. In the responsive and non-responsive groups, ESM-1 and PTX-3 levels were not statistically different before and after treatment.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study investigating plasma ESM-1 and PTX-3 levels in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Increased plasma ESM-1 levels may confirm endothelial dysfunction involvement in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss pathogenesis, which could be associated with vascular impairment.


10.2196/23047 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e23047
Author(s):  
Heng-Yu Haley Lin ◽  
Yuan-Chia Chu ◽  
Ying-Hui Lai ◽  
Hsiu-Lien Cheng ◽  
Feipei Lai ◽  
...  

Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency that warrants urgent management. Pure-tone audiometry remains the gold standard for definitively diagnosing SSNHL. However, in clinical settings such as primary care practices and urgent care facilities, conventional pure-tone audiometry is often unavailable. Objective This study aimed to determine the correlation between hearing outcomes measured by conventional pure-tone audiometry and those measured by the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app and determine the diagnostic validity of the hearing scale differences between the two ears as obtained by the Ear Scale app for SSNHL. Methods This cross-sectional study included a cohort of 88 participants with possible SSNHL who were referred to an otolaryngology clinic or emergency department at a tertiary medical center in Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2018 and June 2019. All participants underwent hearing assessments with conventional pure-tone audiometry and the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app consecutively. The gold standard for diagnosing SSNHL was defined as the pure-tone average (PTA) difference between the two ears being ≥30 dB HL. The hearing results measured by the Ear Scale app were presented as 20 stratified hearing scales. The hearing scale difference between the two ears was estimated to detect SSNHL. Results The study sample comprised 88 adults with a mean age of 46 years, and 50% (44/88) were females. PTA measured by conventional pure-tone audiometry was strongly correlated with the hearing scale assessed by the Ear Scale app, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of .88 (95% CI .82-.92). The sensitivity of the 5–hearing scale difference (25 dB HL difference) between the impaired ear and the contralateral ear in diagnosing SSNHL was 95.5% (95% CI 87.5%-99.1%), with a specificity of 66.7% (95% CI 43.0%-85.4%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app can be useful in the evaluation of SSNHL in clinical settings where conventional pure-tone audiometry is not available.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (33) ◽  
pp. 2740-2744
Author(s):  
Sanket Chandrashekhar Prabhune ◽  
Abhay D. Havle ◽  
Swapna Ajay Shedge ◽  
Khaleel Basha Mannuru ◽  
Lakshmi Sravya Yarlagadda ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy is a very well-known treatment modality for head and neck cancers besides surgery. The cochlea and its neuroepithelium are sensitive to ionizing radiation and resultant damage as it remains in the field of irradiation, the chemotherapy also has a similar effect leading to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). To minimize the adverse effects of hearing the advent of technology like intensitymodulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using smaller doses of radiation is now available with good control of the disease. The intended concomitant uses of chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin for increasing the sensitivity of radiation may induce ototoxicity. Both of these modalities result in a pronounced effect on highfrequency sensorineural hearing loss. We wanted to determine and compare sensorineural hearing loss amongst cases of head and neck cancer treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy either alone or in a combination of both. METHODS All clinically diagnosed patients of head and neck cancer requiring treatment using radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone or in combination having a normal hearing on pure tone audiometry (PTA) were enrolled in the study. All enrolled cases were divided into three groups namely A, B and C based on treatment received like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and combination respectively and their effect on hearing was compared. Hearing acuity was assessed by doing PTA before and after completion of treatment and at 6 months follow up in every case. RESULTS In groups A, B and C SNHL was noted at higher frequencies of 4 kHz and 8 kHz during 1st as well as final follow up. Hearing loss was found maximum in group C receiving combination treatment compared to the other two groups receiving in isolation. Hearing loss was the least in Group - A cases that received radiotherapy using the IMRT technique. CONCLUSIONS The possibility of SNHL is increased in cases receiving a combination of radio and chemotherapy (94 %). Extra care of shielding the cochlea is essentially required during treatment with high doses (> 60Gy) using conformal radiotherapy to limit the resultant radiotherapy-induced SNHL. Radiation-induced SNHL in the IMRT technique was the least (28 %) in the group - A cases and hence should be employed in every case. Future searches for cases of head and neck malignancy the newer effective combination of chemotherapeutic drug and radiation obviating the ototoxicity needs to be continued. KEY WORDS Cisplatin, Radiotherapy, Intensity - Modulated, Audiometry, Pure - Tone, Ototoxicity, Hearing Loss, Sensorineural


Author(s):  
Joshna Thakur ◽  
Kavita Sachdeva

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Kidney diseases are emerging public health problems in developing countries. A common complication of renal failure is sensorineural hearing loss which is leading to poor quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss in renal failure patients and to see the correlation of dialysis, ototoxic drugs, and creatinine levels.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This observational study was conducted at the department of otorhinolaryngology, tertiary care center, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) for a period of 18 months i.e.; from March 2019 to August 2020. 70 patients with renal failure were registered for study. In all patients hematological tests include hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, random blood sugar, serum electrolytes and pure tone audiometry was done.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 70 patients, 51 patients (72.9%) of renal failure had sensorineural hearing loss. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus as comorbidity play important role in hearing loss in renal failure patients. Acoustic reflex was absent in 14.3% of cases which signifying a profound hearing loss and these patients had creatinine level above 6 mg/dl.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Senorineural hearing loss is more prevalent in renal failure patients. Significant association was present between raised creatinine level and sensorineural hearings loss. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the common comorbidities that have a significant role in hearing loss in renal failure patients. All patients having renal failure have a risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss. So, these patients should be kept under follow up by doing regular pure tone audiometry and taking preventive measures, so that the hearing loss doesn't occur.</p>


Author(s):  
Ponrajkumar Nedunchezhian ◽  
Gowri Shankar Murugesan ◽  
Suresh Vadivel ◽  
Vivek Mariappan

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Thyroid hormones are important for overall growth and maturation. They play a significant role in the development of cochlea. Hearing loss is commonly seen in thyroid disorders. This study attempts at understanding the association between thyroid disorders and sensorineural hearing loss.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 106 subjects with thyroid disorders were evaluated for hearing loss. They were classified according to their thyroid status and pure tone audiometry was done. The cases were compared with age and sex matched controls.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> SNHL was the common type of hearing loss seen. The prevalence of SNHL found to be 32.1% in cases. SNHL is bilateral and commonly high frequency type in the early stage of the disease. The severity and prevalence of hearing loss is more with longer duration of the disease state. 29.4% of the cases showed improvement in hearing with therapy for three months.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In patients with thyroid disorders, hearing evaluation helps in the detection of hearing loss earlier and thus treatment could be started.</p>


CoDAS ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Martins ◽  
Marília Fontenele ◽  
Silva Câmara ◽  
Edi Lúcia Sartorato

PURPOSE: This study aimed to correlate probable predisposing factors for sensorineural hearing loss in elderly by investigating the audiologic characteristics and frequency of mutations in genes considered responsible for non-syndromic hearing loss. METHODS: Sixty elderly patients were separated into two groups: the Case Group, composed of 30 individuals, 21 females and nine males, all 60 years old or older and presenting diagnoses of sensorineural hearing loss, and the Control Group, composed of 30 elderly individuals matched to the experimental group by age and gender, presenting normal hearing. The patients underwent anamnesis and pure tone audiometry in frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 6000 Hz. Blood samples were collected from each patient for analysis of mutations in nuclear and mitochondrial genes related to non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS: It was observed a greater tendency to noise exposure and consumption of alcohol in the Case Group. The statistically significant symptoms between the groups were tinnitus and hearing difficulty in several situations as: silent environment, telephone, television, sound location and in church. All the individuals of Case Group presented sensorineural and bilateral hearing loss. The symmetry and progression of the hearing impairment were also statistically significant between the groups. No genetic mutations were identified. CONCLUSION: The most reported symptoms were communication difficulties and tinnitus. The predominant auditory characteristics included sensorineural, bilateral, progressive and symmetrical hearing loss. It was not evidenced a relationship between sensorineural hearing loss in elderly and genes considered responsible for non-syndromic hearing loss as no genetic mutation was found in this study.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Vielsmeier ◽  
Astrid Lehner ◽  
Jürgen Strutz ◽  
Thomas Steffens ◽  
Peter M. Kreuzer ◽  
...  

Objective. The majority of tinnitus patients suffer from hearing loss. But a subgroup of tinnitus patients show normal hearing thresholds in the conventional pure-tone audiometry (125 Hz–8 kHz). Here we explored whether the results of the high frequency audiometry (>8 kHz) provide relevant additional information in tinnitus patients with normal conventional audiometry by comparing those with normal and pathological high frequency audiometry with respect to their demographic and clinical characteristics.Subjects and Methods. From the database of the Tinnitus Clinic at Regensburg we identified 75 patients with normal hearing thresholds in the conventional pure-tone audiometry. We contrasted these patients with normal and pathological high-frequency audiogram and compared them with respect to gender, age, tinnitus severity, pitch, laterality and duration, comorbid symptoms and triggers for tinnitus onset.Results. Patients with pathological high frequency audiometry were significantly older and had higher scores on the tinnitus questionnaires in comparison to patients with normal high frequency audiometry. Furthermore, there was an association of high frequency audiometry with the laterality of tinnitus.Conclusion. In tinnitus patients with normal pure-tone audiometry the high frequency audiometry provides useful additional information. The association between tinnitus laterality and asymmetry of the high frequency audiometry suggests a potential causal role for the high frequency hearing loss in tinnitus etiopathogenesis.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document