Does bone mineral density have an effect on hearing loss in postmenopausal patients?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gerontology
• Radiology

Background:

• Age-related decline in temporal bone bone mineral density (BMD) is a potential risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss.
• The specific impact of BMD on hearing in postmenopausal women requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of bone mineral density (BMD) on hearing loss in postmenopausal women.
• To assess differences in hearing thresholds across groups with normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• 120 postmenopausal women (age 50-55) were divided into three groups: normal BMD (n=30), osteopenia (n=45), and osteoporosis (n=45).
• Audiometry (low and high frequencies), bone conduction, and tympanometry were performed.
• Mean threshold values were calculated for each group.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in low-frequency air or bone conduction thresholds were found among the groups.
• Significantly higher high-frequency air and bone conduction thresholds were observed in the osteoporosis group compared to osteopenia and control groups.
• Tympanometric values did not differ significantly across the groups.

Conclusions:

• Osteoporosis is associated with high-frequency hearing loss in postmenopausal women.
• Patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) should undergo regular audiological assessments.
• Early detection of hearing changes can inform timely interventions.