Hearing loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), describe frequency-specific hearing threshold changes in this patient population as compared to age-matched control, and compare the clinical and serological profiles of patients with SLE with and without HL.

A systematic review querying four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane) was performed. Meta-analysis of available data was performed to determine the overall prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of HL, and compare mean differences in frequency-specific hearing thresholds between patients with SLE and control. Additionally, meta-analysis of proportions allowed for comparison of disease features present in patients with SLE with and without sensorineural HL.

This review included 17 studies reporting on 1326 patients (635 with SLE and 691 control). The pooled prevalence of HL in patients with SLE was 27%. In comparison to control, patients with SLE had a significantly higher odds of HL (OR 14.6, 95% CI: 8.5 to 25.0). Mean air-conduction hearing thresholds in patients with SLE were significantly elevated relative to control at 125 and 250 Hz. Mean bone-conduction hearing thresholds were significantly elevated in patients with SLE across all measured frequencies except at 3000 and 6000 Hz compared to control. Disease features did not significantly differ between patients with SLE with and without HL.

Compared to age-matched control, patients with SLE have increased odds of HL, which primarily manifests at low frequencies. Therefore, this patient population requires greater audiologic attention.