Audiological Abnormalities in Vitiligo Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Dermatology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Discrepancies exist in the literature regarding vitiligo's effect on auditory functions.
• Some studies suggest an influence, while others question it, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of vitiligo on audiological functions.
• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss in vitiligo patients.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based observational study was conducted from January to July 2017.
• Fifty-two clinically diagnosed vitiligo patients underwent complete otological examinations.

Main Results:

• 19.2% of vitiligo patients exhibited sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
• High-frequency hearing loss was prevalent, affecting 17 out of 20 ears in affected patients.
• SNHL was significantly more common in the 41–60 age group (63.6%).

Conclusions:

• Vitiligo patients, especially older individuals, may require routine auditory function monitoring for early SNHL detection.
• Patients with vitiligo should be counseled about risks associated with noise and ototoxic drug exposure.