Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome with hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study seeks to investigate the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) and hearing impairment by meta-analysis.MethodsCochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and other databases are searched from their establishment to July 1st, 2022. Literature on the relationship between OSAHS and hearing loss is collected, and two researchers independently perform screening, data extraction and quality evaluation on the included literature. Meta-analysis is performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. According to the heterogeneity between studies, a random-effects model or fixed-effects model is used for meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 10 articles are included, with 7,867 subjects, 1,832 in the OSAHS group and 6,035 in the control group. The meta-analysis shows that the incidence of hearing impairment in the OSAHS group is higher than in the control group (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.18–1.62, Z = 4.09, P < 0.001), and the average hearing threshold of OSAHS patients is higher than that of the control group (MD = 5.89; 95% CI 1.87–9.91, Z = 2.87, P = 0.004). After stratifying the included studies according to hearing frequency, the meta-analysis shows that the OSAHS group has a higher threshold of 0.25, and the response amplitudes at frequencies 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz are all higher than those of the control group.ConclusionCompared with the control group, the OSAHS group has a higher incidence of hearing loss, mainly high-frequency hearing loss. Thus, OSAHS is closely associated with and a risk factor for hearing loss.

Association of nocturnal sleep duration and midday napping with subjective poor hearing among middle-aged and older adults in China

“…Results show consistency. It is widely confirmed in the existing literature that ambient noise, OSAH and snoring are independent risk factors of HL, which the CHARLS dataset did not record ( 41 , 42 , 68 – 70 ). However, even after controlling for noise exposure, the association between short sleep duration and HL remained significant ( 71 ).…”

Is there a relation between sleep apnea, tinnitus, and hearing Loss?

“…[21] A recent meta-analysis reported that 4 and 8 kHz hearing thresholds of the OSA patients were significantly higher than those of the control group, and snoring might have caused hearing impairment in those patients. [8] Similarly, Chopra et al reported that presence of OSA was significantly correlated with hearing impairment, and both presence of OSA and increased OSA severity were correlated with increased likelihood of hearing impairment in both high and low frequencies. [7] Seo et al indicated that lowest oxygen saturation was the only variable correlated with hearing thresholds, and severe OSA might be a trigger for hearing loss.…”

“…[18] Moreover, cochlear and brainstem microcirculations may be impaired due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, hypoxia and inflammation, resulting in hearing impairment. [8] Hearing loss may also lead to tinnitus. [19] Vorlova et al investigated the effect OSA on hearing, and reported that OSA resulted in hearing impairment possibly due to hypoxia, heart rate variations, decreased brain perfusion and changes in intracranial pressure.…”

“…[7] Several studies that investigated the relation of OSA with auditory dysfunction reported that the patients with sleep apnea had a higher risk of developing both tinnitus and hearing loss. [7][8][9] Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) is the most widely used measure to determine perceived tinnitus handicap severity. [10] The aim of this study was to investigate the tinnitus and hearing impairment in OSA patients through THI, standard pure tone audiometry (PTA) and high frequency audiometry.…”

Association of Sleep Characteristics with Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

“…Recently, there has been emerging evidence indicating the association between sleep disorders and hearing loss 18 . Patients with a diagnosis of OSA were found to have higher rates of audiometry‐measured hearing loss based on population‐based and clinic‐based cohorts 19‐22 .…”