Association of anemia with sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence shows that anemic individuals are at a higher risk of hearing loss. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis study. Thus, we aimed to meta-analyze the existing evidence on the association of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception through October 30, 2017, for studies done on the association of the IDA with SNHL. Pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated by random effect meta-analysis method. Heterogeneity was assessed by I² metrics.

Four studies, covering a total of 344,080 adults and children, were included. The odds of SNHL was higher by 55% in individuals with IDA, compared with individuals without IDA (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.17-2.06; P = 0.03). The age-specific ORs were 1.36 (95% CI 1.15-1.61; P = 0.27) and 3.67 (95% CI 1.72-7.84) for adults and children, respectively. IDA may be a contributing factor to hearing loss. Further studies are warranted, including whether IDA treatment reduces the risk of hearing loss. Meanwhile, hearing loss screening in anemic individuals, or vice versa, may represent an important consideration. PROSPERO registration CRD42017082108.