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Hypotension and sensorineural hearing loss: a possible correlation
A Pirodda1, G G Ferri, G C Modugno
1Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche ed Anestesiologiche, Universitá degli Studi di Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, may contribute to sensorineural hearing loss. This study found a higher incidence of hearing impairment in young adults with hypotension, suggesting a link to cochlear damage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Cardiology
- Audiology
Background:
- Hypotension's role in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is not fully understood.
- Vascular risk factors require careful consideration in SNHL etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hypotension and SNHL.
- To determine if low blood pressure is a risk factor for cochlear damage.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study within the "Brisighella Study" cohort.
- 20 participants (≤50 years) with hypotension (DBP ≤60 mmHg and/or SBP ≤105 mmHg) underwent audiometric and otological exams.
- Exclusion of individuals with pre-existing audiological/vestibular/otological conditions.
- Comparison with 100 age-matched controls from the same region.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant higher incidence of SNHL in the hypotension group (7/20) compared to controls (3/100).
- All affected participants in the study group presented with low-frequency hearing loss.
- Metabolic parameters in the study group were within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- Hypotension may be a contributing factor to cochlear damage and SNHL.
- Alterations in the vasomotor system associated with hypotension could play a role in hearing impairment.
- Further research into the vascular mechanisms of SNHL is warranted.
Abstract:
A possible role of hypotension in the genesis of sudden or slowly developing sensorineural hearing loss has been outlined. In order to confirm this hypothesis, and to exclude other vascular risk factors, a prospective study was carried out within the "Brisighella Study", a wide and homogeneous group of subjects thoroughly examined from a metabolic and cardiovascular point of view. Among them, 20 participants aged 50 years or less (18 women, 2 men) with diastolic blood pressure < or = 60 mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure < or = 105 mmHg were selected and underwent otological and audiometric examinations. Patients with previous audiological, vestibular and otological diseases were excluded. The control group was represented by 100 subjects (60 women, 40 men), aged 50 years or less, randomly chosen from within a sample of the normal population in the same region. A statistically significant incidence of sensorineural hearing loss was recorded in the study group (7/20 subjects, all affected by low-frequency hearing loss), while hearing impairment was observed in only 3/100 participants in the control group. The mean values of the main metabolic parameters were normal. An alteration of the vasomotor system associated with a hypotensive condition could be responsible as a possible factor in the origin of a cochlear damage and the consequent sensorineural hearing loss.