Audiological Involvement in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate hearing loss in patients diagnosed with SSc (systemic sclerosis) and to investigate the relation between hearing loss, subtypes of the disease, its duration and clinical findings, and antibody positivity. Methods The study included 47 patients with SSc and 44 healthy controls. Audiometric, tympanometric and otoacoustic emission measurements were applied to both groups. Results The evaluation of the participants medical history showed that among the patients with SSc, 19.1% experienced ear fullness, 27.7% experienced vertigo and 36.2% experienced tinnitus. Hearing loss was detected in 23.4% of the patients with SSc. The corresponding result was 4.3% in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) amplitude values were significantly lower in the patients both ears with SSc than the control group (p < 0.005). Duration of disease was significantly longer and DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide) values were significantly higher in the patients with SSc and sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions The present study found that the incidence of hearing loss was significantly higher in the study group than healthy control group. In addition to other organ involvements, cochlear involvement occurs in these patients, and further studies are required.

Medial olivocochlear suppression in musicians versus non-musicians

The medial olivocochlear efferent (MOCE) branch synapses with outer hair cells (OHCs), and the efferent pathway can be activated via a contralateral acoustic stimulus (CAS). The activation of MOCE can change OHC motile responses and convert signals that are capable of controlling the sensitivity of the peripheral hearing system in a frequency-specific manner. The aim of this study was to examine the MOCE system activity in professional musicians using transient evoked otoacoustic emission test and CAS. Musician group showed stronger suppression in all frequency bands in the presence of CAS.

Effectiveness Of Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) Test For Neonatal Auditory Screening

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) as screening test for auditory function in neonates. Study Design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at United Medical and Dental College, Creek General Hospital, Karachi, from July 2106 to May 2017. A total number of 120 newborn babies were screened for hearing loss before discharge from hospital but 20 were lost for follow up and 100 cases were included in this study. Method: TEOAE was done in all neonates born during this period at 3rd day after birth. Those who were found to have hearing loss, TEOAE was repeated at the end of 1st week and again in 6th week after birth. BERA was done in those cases who showed hearing loss on TEOAE on all three occasions. All the 100 cases were followed up regularly for more than one year for appearance of any sign or symptom related with hearing loss or speech development failure. Result: Out of 100 cases included in this study, 96 were found to have no hearing loss on TEOAE and 1 on BERA test. Remaining three cases were found to have hearing loss on both TEOAE and BERA test. True negative cases where no hearing loss was found on TEOAE and subsequent follow up were 96. True positive cases were 3 where hearing loss was found on TEOAE and BERA and also on subsequent follow-up. False positive case was 1, where hearing loss was detected on TEOAE but BERA showed normal hearing and subsequent follow-up also showed normal hearing and false negative result was not detected in any case. Sensitivity of TEOAE was found to be 100%, specificity is 98.9%, accuracy is 99%, positive predictive value is 75% and negative predictive value is 100% in this study. Conclusion: TEOAE was found to be a cost-effective and practicable method of recognizing congenital hearing loss. It should be done in all newborns as routine screening for hearing loss

Cochlear Function in Adults with Epilepsy and Treated with Carbamazepine

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic medical disease and is associated with comorbid adverse somatic conditions due to epilepsy itself or its long-term treatment. Objectives: This study evaluated cochlear function in patients with idiopathic epilepsy and treated with carbamazepine (CBZ). Patients and Methods: Included were 47 patients (mean age = 34.56 ± 7.11 years and duration of illness = 17.84 ± 7.21 years) and 40 healthy subjects. They underwent pure-tone audiometry and transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) analyses. Results: Hearing loss (mainly bilateral mild) was reported in one third of patients. Compared to controls, patients had lower TEOAE amplitudes at 1.0–4.0 kHz particularly at high frequencies (3 and 4 kHz). Significant correlations were identified between TEOAE amplitudes with CBZ dose (at 3 kHz: r = –0.554, p = 0.008; at 4 kHz: r = –0.347, p = 0.01), its serum level (at 4 kHz: r = –0.280, p = 0.045) and duration of treatment (at 3 kHz: r = –0.392, p = 0.008; at 4 kHz: r = –0.542, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Long-term CBZ treatment may result in cochlear dysfunction and auditory deficits.