Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
19.9K
Hearing loss in vitiligo: current concepts and review
Marrigje Aagje de Jong1, Cahtia Adelman2, Menachem Gross3
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hadassah School of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel. dejong.marije@gmail.com.
Summary
Vitiligo patients often experience sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), potentially linked to melanocyte function. Early hearing evaluations including audiometry are recommended for those with vitiligo.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition characterized by depigmentation due to melanocyte loss.
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a complex condition affecting the inner ear and auditory nerve.
- Co-occurrence of vitiligo and SNHL suggests a potential shared underlying pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients with vitiligo.
- To describe the clinical manifestations, audiometric findings, and pathogenesis of SNHL in this population.
- To outline the recommended diagnostic and management approaches.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies and case reports involving SNHL in vitiligo patients.
- Analysis of data on patient presentation, audiometric results, and proposed etiologies.
- Synthesis of information regarding diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- A review of 21 studies identified over 102 cases of SNHL in patients with vitiligo.
- Melanocyte dysfunction is frequently cited as a potential common causative factor.
- Hearing impairment varies in presentation and severity.
Conclusions:
- A common etiology linked to melanocyte function is suggested for SNHL in vitiligo patients.
- Comprehensive hearing assessments, including audiometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), and auditory brainstem response (ABR), are advised for all vitiligo patients.
- Preventive measures against ototoxic and noise-induced hearing loss are crucial.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
4.0K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.0K
00:50Unrenewable Cells
3.0K
In humans, the photoreceptor cells of the eye and sensory hair cells of the ear lack stem cells. These cells are thus unrenewable and cannot be replaced when they are damaged or destroyed.
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
3.0K
01:20Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
2.8K
Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft is pushed through the follicle toward the surface. Keratinization is completed as the cells are pushed to the skin surface to form the shaft of hair that is externally visible. The external hair is completely dead and composed entirely of keratin. Hair can be cut or shaven without damaging the hair structure because the cut is superficial. Most...
2.8K
01:33Pleiotropy
43.7K
Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
43.7K
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
6.0K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.0K
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.6K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.6K