Ear involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rheumatology
• Audiology

Background:

• Ear damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is occasionally reported but lacks detailed documentation regarding frequency and mechanisms.
• Understanding the extent and causes of auditory system involvement in SLE is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively investigate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in SLE patients.
• To explore potential causes of ear involvement in SLE.
• To compare audiological findings in SLE patients with healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 43 SLE patients.
• Comprehensive ear-nose-throat physical examination and audiological assessments including pure tone, impedance, and speech audiometry.
• Recording of systemic disease manifestations, drug therapy, and autoantibody profiles; comparison with 50 age-matched healthy subjects.

Main Results:

• Hearing loss (HL) was identified in 22.5% of SLE patients.
• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was the predominant type, affecting 21.5% of patients, with varying degrees of symmetry and laterality.
• Only one patient (2.63%) presented with conductive hearing loss (CHL).
• No significant differences were found between patients with and without HL concerning age, disease duration, clinical manifestations, autoantibodies, or drug therapy.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-fourth of SLE patients exhibit hearing loss, predominantly SNHL affecting mid to high frequencies.
• The observed percentage of ear involvement is lower than previously reported.
• The underlying mechanism of ear damage in SLE remains undetermined, necessitating further investigation.