High rate of unperceived hearing loss in patients after liver transplantation

We recently published the high frequency of perceived hearing impairment in adults after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). To obtain objective data in addition to the questionnaires, audiometric data of 70 patients' post-OLT were analyzed.

Hearing tests were obtained from 70 patients who were in follow-up 6.5 ± 4.3 yr after OLT. Thirty-eight of these patients (53%) reported the development of a hearing problem post-OLT, while 14 patients already noticed hearing loss prior to OLT (21%). Eighteen patients did not report any hearing problems (26%).

Audiometry was within the normal range only in five patients (7%). Signs of mild or moderate hearing loss were found in 12 (17%) and 28 patients (40%), respectively. In 25 patients, audiometry revealed even severe hearing loss (36%). In 86% of patients, hearing loss was bilateral affecting all frequency areas in 63%. Of the 18 patients without subjective hearing impairment, moderate or severe hearing loss was found in 50% of audiometries. Mean maximal hearing loss was -62 ± 30 dB with worse results in patients reporting hearing problems (p < 0.03).

We confirmed the high incidence of reported hearing loss in adults post-OLT by objective audiometric data. Pathological hearing tests were even found in many patients without perception of hearing impairment.