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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Pseudoexfoliation and sensorineural hearing loss
1Institute of Ophthalmology, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. cahil005@mc.duke.edu
Eye (London, England)
|May 29, 2002
Summary
Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) is linked to sensorineural hearing loss in a majority of patients, irrespective of glaucoma. This suggests PXF may be a systemic disease affecting multiple body systems.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome is increasingly recognized as a systemic condition beyond ocular manifestations.
- Evidence suggests PXF may affect various tissues and organs, prompting investigation into systemic associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and sensorineural hearing loss.
- To determine if PXF is associated with a higher prevalence of hearing impairment compared to age-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-nine patients with PXF underwent comprehensive ocular examinations.
- Hearing thresholds were measured and compared to ISO 7029 age- and sex-matched hearing loss standards.
- Proportions of ears with hearing loss were analyzed based on PXF status and glaucoma presence.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of PXF patients (73.7%) exhibited hearing loss exceeding age-matched norms.
- This high prevalence of hearing loss was observed irrespective of PXF presence in one or both eyes, or co-existing glaucoma.
- No significant difference was found in hearing loss proportions between eyes with PXF (with or without glaucoma) and eyes without PXF.
Conclusions:
- Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is strongly associated with sensorineural hearing loss.
- The findings support the hypothesis that PXF is a systemic disorder with widespread effects.
- Further research into the systemic implications of PXF is warranted.
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