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Hypertensive retinopathy and sensorineural hearing loss
T Y Tan1, O Rahmat, N Prepageran
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Malaya (UMMC) Lembah Pantai, Kuala lumpur, 50603 Malaysia.
Summary
Hypertensive retinopathy, a complication of chronic hypertension, is linked to sensorineural hearing loss. This study found that patients with hypertensive retinopathy, particularly grade I, exhibit worse hearing thresholds at higher frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Chronic hypertension can lead to end-organ damage, including hypertensive retinopathy.
- Sensorineural hearing loss is a common condition affecting auditory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hypertensive retinopathy and sensorineural hearing loss.
- To compare hearing thresholds in hypertensive patients with and without retinopathy against a control group.
Main Methods:
- Pure tone hearing thresholds were assessed in 56 hypertensive patients and 56 controls.
- Hearing thresholds were compared across different grades of hypertensive retinopathy and controls.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients showed higher mean hearing thresholds across frequencies compared to controls.
- Significant differences were observed at specific high frequencies (2,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, 8,000 Hz) in the right ear.
- Grade I hypertensive retinopathy was associated with significantly higher thresholds at 4,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz bilaterally.
Conclusions:
- Hypertensive retinopathy is associated with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.
- The severity of retinopathy may correlate with the degree of hearing impairment.
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