IntroductionHypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and has been associated with target organ damage. Effects of hypertension on the auditory system are varied and requires further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and auditory deficits (hearing loss and tinnitus).MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional study including 106 (54.7% female) hypertensive adults aged 18–55 years, and 92 (52.2% female) non-hypertensive sex- and age-matched adults residing in South Africa. A data extraction sheet was used to obtain hypertension information from participants' medical files, and to subjectively obtain tinnitus status and characteristics among participants. Participants' hearing sensitivity—including extended high frequencies (EHF)—were measured using a diagnostic audiometer. The χ2 test determined the difference in auditory deficit prevalence between the study groups. Logistic regression was used to identify predictor variables associated with auditory deficits in the hypertensive group.ResultsA hearing loss prevalence of 37.4% among hypertensive adults compared to 14.1% among the non-hypertensive group (P = 0.000, χ2 = 14.00) was found. The EHF pure-tone average among the hypertensive group was 44.1 ± 19.2 dB HL, and 20.0 ± 18.3 dB HL among the control group. Bilateral mild sensorineural hearing loss was the most common type of hearing loss among hypertensive adults. A higher prevalence of tinnitus (41.5%) was found in the hypertensive group compared to the control group (22.8%) (P = 0.008, χ2 = 7.09). In this study, 30.3% of hypertensive adults had tinnitus without hearing loss compared to 17.7% non-hypertensive adults. Factors associated with hearing loss included being between 50 and 55 years [adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.35; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.32–8.50; P = 0.011], having grade 2 hypertension (AOR = 4.18; 95% CI: 1.02–17.10; P = 0.048), and being on antihypertensive medication (AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: 1.02–9.87; P = 0.045). Tinnitus was associated with grade 3 hypertension (AOR = 3.90; 95% CI: 1.12–12.64; P = 0.033).ConclusionsOur study showed that hypertensive adults had a higher proportion of hearing loss and tinnitus compared to non-hypertensive adults. Findings suggest an association between hypertension and auditory deficits, demonstrating a need for integration of hearing healthcare services for hypertension management.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of bilateral simultaneous tympanometric measurements using a tympanometer with two pneumatic systems inside circumaural ear cups. Method Fifty-two adults (104 ears), with a mean age of 32 years ( SD = 12.39, range: 18–60 years) were included in this study. A within-subject repeated-measures design was used to compare tympanometric measurements yielded with the investigational device in unilateral and bilateral simultaneous conditions compared with an industry-standard tympanometer. Results No significant bias ( p > .05) was found between the mean of the differences of tympanometric measurements yielded by the two devices, except for a significant bias ( p < .05) of the mean of the differences for ear canal volume measurements (0.05 cm 3 ). The Bland–Altman plots showed overall good agreement between the tympanometric measurements between the two instruments. In all 104 ears, the tympanogram types of the KUDUwave TMP were compared with the reference device. The results were highly comparable with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI [86.8%, 100%]) and 92.3% (95% CI [84.0%, 97.1%]), respectively. Conclusions The investigational device is a suitable instrument for unilateral or bilateral simultaneous tympanometric measurements in adults and demonstrates the potential of decentralized and accessible tympanometry services.

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