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Does pregnancy affect otosclerosis?
William H Lippy1, Leonard P Berenholz, Arnold G Schuring
1The Lippy Group for Ear, Nose and Throat, Warren, OH 44484, USA. whlmd@aol.com
The Laryngoscope
|October 14, 2005
Summary
Pregnancy does not negatively impact hearing in women with otosclerosis. This study found no adverse effects on air conduction, bone conduction, or speech discrimination in mothers compared to childless women.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Otosclerosis is a condition affecting hearing, particularly in women of reproductive age.
- The impact of pregnancy on hearing in women with otosclerosis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if pregnancy affects hearing outcomes in women diagnosed with otosclerosis.
- To compare hearing thresholds and speech discrimination in otosclerotic women with and without children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 94 women who underwent stapedectomy for otosclerosis.
- Participants were divided into two groups: those with children and a control group without children.
- Pre- and postoperative audiometric evaluations, including air/bone conduction thresholds and speech discrimination, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant worsening of air or bone conduction thresholds was observed in women with children compared to those without.
- Audiometric thresholds in women with children were slightly, yet significantly, better across tested frequencies (500-4,000 Hz).
- Speech discrimination scores and correlations between the number of children or breastfeeding and hearing loss showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy does not have an adverse effect on hearing in women with otosclerosis.
- The number of pregnancies or breastfeeding status did not correlate with increased hearing loss.
- Hearing outcomes, including air/bone conduction and discrimination, remain stable in otosclerotic women regardless of parity.