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Audiovestibular functions in rheumatoid arthritis.
R S Kakani1, Y N Mehra, S D Deodhar
1Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
The Journal of Otolaryngology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients showed no correlation between hearing loss and disease activity. Audiologic tests indicated cochlear pathology in some cases, but vestibular function remained normal in this RA cohort.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Rheumatology
- Audiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs.
- Hearing impairment and vestibular dysfunction are potential extra-articular manifestations of RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate audiological, middle ear impedance, and vestibular function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To determine any correlation between hearing abnormalities and the duration, activity, or serological markers of RA.
Main Methods:
- Audiologic tests (tone decay, speech tests, SISI), middle ear impedance, and electronystagmography were performed on 25 RA patients and 25 controls.
- Patients were carefully selected to exclude other common causes of hearing loss.
- Electronystagmography assessed saccades and bithermal caloric induced nystagmus.
Main Results:
- Mild sensorineural hearing loss was observed in 6 patients, and bilateral mixed hearing loss in one patient.
- Cochlear pathology was suggested as the cause of sensorineural hearing loss based on specific audiological tests.
- No statistical correlation was found between hearing or middle ear abnormalities and RA duration, activity, or rheumatoid factor positivity.
- Vestibular function tests (electronystagmography) showed no significant abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss in RA patients may be linked to cochlear pathology, independent of disease activity or duration.
- Rheumatoid arthritis does not appear to significantly impact vestibular function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms of auditory involvement in RA.