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Hearing loss among patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Omid Mirmosayyeb1, Mohammadjavad Naderi1, Sina Raeisi2
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a kind of autoimmune disorder that has swept more than 2 million people worldwide and has caused multiple disabilities in the patients. Hearing loss(HL) is also one of the disabilities that numerous patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience.
Methods:
We searched four databases: PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, from 1970 to July 2021. The gray literature containing the conference abstracts, review studies, and references of the articles was also investigated. We included any studies that reported PwMS with HL.
Results:
Out of 1875 articles, 1042 articles remained following eliminating duplicates. Afterward, all articles were screened, and 953 were eliminated based on exclusion criteria. Full texts of 89 articles were collected. Finally, eight articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of HL in PwMS was 1.1% (95% CI: [0.2%, 2.4%]; I2=80.11%; p<0.001) among 5187 MS population.
Conclusion:
Our analysis suggests that MS might increase the risk of HL , and it might be an indicator for MS diagnosis. More research with larger sample sizes is required.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to an increased risk of hearing loss (HL). This study found a 1.1% prevalence of HL in patients with MS, suggesting HL may be an early indicator for MS diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Audiology
- Autoimmune Disorders
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder affecting over 2 million individuals globally, often leading to significant patient disabilities.
- Hearing loss (HL) is a recognized disability experienced by a notable number of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and determine the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- To explore the potential association between MS and the risk of developing HL.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases from 1970 to July 2021.
- Gray literature, including conference abstracts and review studies, was also examined to identify relevant research on PwMS with HL.
Main Results:
- The initial search yielded 1875 articles, reduced to 89 after duplicate removal and screening based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- Eight studies were ultimately selected, encompassing 5187 individuals with MS.
- The pooled prevalence of hearing loss (HL) among patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) was calculated at 1.1% (95% CI: [0.2%, 2.4%]).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and an increased risk of hearing loss (HL).
- Hearing loss (HL) may serve as a potential indicator for the diagnosis of MS.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate these findings and elucidate the relationship between MS and HL.
