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Audiological abnormalities in patients with alopecia areata
1Department of Dermatology, Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakir.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|September 17, 2013
Summary
Alopecia areata (AA) patients exhibit a higher prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss compared to healthy individuals. This suggests a potential link between this autoimmune condition and auditory function, possibly due to effects on inner ear melanocytes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Dermatology
- Autoimmunology
Background:
- Autoimmune disorders are associated with audiological abnormalities.
- The presence of such abnormalities in alopecia areata (AA) remains to be investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential audiological abnormalities in patients diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 51 AA patients and 51 healthy controls underwent autoscopic and audiometric examinations.
- Pure tone audiometry was conducted in a silent cabin, measuring thresholds from 250-16000 Hz for air conduction.
Main Results:
- Sensorineural hypoacusis was detected in 54.9% of AA patients versus 25.4% of controls.
- Hearing loss in AA patients was predominantly bilateral and at high frequencies (4000-16000 Hz).
- The increased frequency of sensorineural hypoacusis in AA patients was statistically significant (P=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Alopecia areata may impact hearing function, potentially by affecting melanocytes in the inner ear.
- A relationship between sensorineural hearing loss and the autoimmune disease AA is suggested.
- Follicular melanocytes are implicated as a potential target in the autoimmune process of AA.
