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Prevalence of hearing loss in adults with sickle cell disease
M R Crawford1, H J Gould, W R Smith
1Memphis State University, Tennessee.
Insights
Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) have a high incidence of hearing loss, particularly those with sickle cell C disease. Routine hearing tests are recommended for all adult SCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with various complications.
- Hearing impairment is a potential, yet often overlooked, complication in adults with SCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hearing impairment in adult subjects with sickle cell disease.
- To identify any correlation between hemoglobin type and hearing status in this population.
Main Methods:
- Audiologic assessment was performed on 75 adult subjects diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
- Subjects were categorized by hemoglobin type for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- 41% of adult subjects with sickle cell disease failed the hearing screening.
- Individuals with sickle cell C disease demonstrated the highest incidence of hearing loss.
- All examined sickle cell disease patient groups showed a higher prevalence of hearing loss compared to the general population.
Conclusions:
- Adults with sickle cell disease are at a significantly increased risk for hearing loss.
- Routine audiologic screening should be integrated into the standard medical care for adults with sickle cell disease.
- Early detection and management of hearing loss can improve quality of life for individuals with SCD.
Abstract:
Hearing status in 75 adult subjects with sickle cell disease was examined. Thirty-one (or 41%) of the subjects failed the hearing screening. When examined by hemoglobin type, it was found that persons with sickle cell C disease had the greatest incidence of hearing loss, although all subject groups exhibited greater prevalence rates than the general population. The results suggest that routine audiologic assessment be incorporated into the regular medical examination for adults with sickle cell disease.