Audiological Abnormalities in Vitiligo Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction There are some discrepancies in the literature about the influence of vitiligo on auditory functions. According to some authors, vitiligo influences hearing, whereas others question such influence. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate audiological functions in vitiligo patients. Objectives To determine the effect of vitiligo on auditory functions. Methods A hospital-based observational study was done from January 2017 to July 2017. Clinically diagnosed cases of vitiligo were enrolled for the study. A complete otological examination was conducted in all patients. Results Fifty-two patients (male: female 28:24) were included in the study. Ten patients (19.2%) had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Seven patients (13.5%) had bilateral and 3 (5.7%) had unilateral SNHL. High frequency loss was seen in 17 out of 20 ears (10 affected patients), 6 ears had both low and high-frequency hearing loss. Of 12 ears with speech frequency involvement, mild hearing loss was seen in 5 and moderate to severe in 1 ear. Most cases of SNHL were detected in the age group 41 to 60 years old (63.6%), which was statistically significant (p-value 0.00). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that vitiligo patients require routine monitoring for auditory functions for early identification of SNHL. Older subjects with vitiligo might be at a higher risk for audiological abnormalities. These patients should also be informed regarding the associated risk with noise and ototoxic drug exposure.

Is there a correlation between vitiligo and hearing loss? - review of the literature

“…A greater exposure to audiological disturbances has been observed in older patients. In addition, vitiligo patients should avoid noise and ototoxic drugs [15]. Sheng-Hsiang et al reached similar conclusions -regular audiologic assessment is indicated in patients with vitiligo in order to detect hearing disorders earlier.…”

Association of vitiligo with high‐frequency sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…41,42 Also, melanocytes regulate potassium channels involved in the endocochlear electrical potential that is important in signal transmission of auditory function. [43][44][45] The amounts of melanin are most abundant at the cochlea base which is in charge of high-frequency hearing only. 46,47 Anti-melanocyte antibodies presenting in vitiligo can attack the inner ear melanocytes, resulting in decreased amounts of melanin and increased susceptibility to highfrequency sensorineural hearing loss, which is compatible with our findings.…”

“…Melanin mitigates free radical damage from ototoxic environment via acting as the Ca 2+ chelator in cationic exchange, modulates the calcium homeostasis, and consequently, regulates redox balance and prevents DNA damage in cells 41,42 . Also, melanocytes regulate potassium channels involved in the endocochlear electrical potential that is important in signal transmission of auditory function 43–45 . The amounts of melanin are most abundant at the cochlea base which is in charge of high‐frequency hearing only 46,47 .…”

Investigation of hearing and outer hair cell function of the cochlea in patients with vitiligo

“…In the current study, although the mean age of the vitiligo patients was 40 years, there was no significant difference between the groups in hearing loss measured by the C-PTA test. However, Prabha et al16 reported that elderly patients with vitiligo had a higher risk of audiometric abnormalities. There are also studies reporting that vitiligo was associated with hearing loss in the C-PTA test 5,17.…”