Low-Normal Platelets and Decreasing Platelets Are Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment Development

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Hematology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Identifying novel risk factors for hearing impairment is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
• Platelets are implicated in sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a significant risk factor for permanent hearing impairment.
• Abnormal platelet function or levels may contribute to the development of long-term hearing loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between platelet levels and the incidence of hearing impairment over a five-year period.
• To determine if platelet counts influence the development of low-frequency hearing impairment (LFHI).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study involving 1,897 participants from a population-based survey (2014-2019).
• Participants were categorized into high-normal (25–40 × 10⁴ cells/μL) and low-normal (15–25 × 10⁴ cells/μL) platelet count groups.
• Hearing impairment was defined as pure tone audiometry over 25 dB HL in either ear, with incidence analyzed in 2017 and 2019.

Main Results:

• The low-normal platelet group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of low-frequency hearing impairment compared to the high-normal group.
• A low-normal platelet count was associated with an increased incidence of LFHI (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.15-4.76).
• Declining platelet counts within the low-normal group were also independently associated with a higher incidence of LFHI (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.09-4.06).

Conclusions:

• Both low-normal platelet counts and decreasing platelet levels are independent risk factors for the incidence of low-frequency hearing impairment.
• These findings suggest a significant role for platelets in the pathogenesis of certain types of hearing loss.