Audiological evaluation in adult beta-thalassemia major patients under regular chelation treatment

With the improved life expectation of beta -thalassemia major patients, new clinical problems, such as hearing damage, must be evaluated. Fifty-seven patients (32 F, 25 M; age range 17-32 years) have been studied to define risk factors for development of sensorineural hearing loss. All patients with beta -thalassemia major received daily chelation therapy with subcutaneous injection of desferrioxamine (30-50 mgkg(-1)per day). We performed an otological visit and pure tone audiometry as well as impedance; patients were followed for 3 years. Four patients with a conductive hearing loss were excluded; 66.6% had a normal audiogram; 22.8% had a slight sensorineural deficit (