Hearing Impairment in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Oral Medicine
• Audiology

Background:

• Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a prevalent oral condition with systemic implications, often linked to areca nut use.
• Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between OSMF and hearing impairment, necessitating further investigation.
• The established oral health effects of OSMF warrant exploration of its broader health impacts, including auditory function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the association between oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and hearing impairment.
• To explore the role of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and auditory dysfunction in OSMF patients.
• To synthesize current research on the audiological consequences of OSMF.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to the PICOS framework was conducted.
• A comprehensive literature search identified 18 relevant studies published between 2015 and 2024.
• Data extraction and quality assessment (Cochrane Risk of Bias, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were performed by three independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between OSMF severity and the prevalence of hearing loss.
• Patient-reported hearing issues varied from 27.69% to 76.7%, with conductive hearing loss being common in advanced OSMF.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) was identified as a frequent contributing factor to hearing impairment in OSMF patients, confirmed by pure tone audiometry and tympanometry.

Conclusions:

• A substantial association exists between oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and hearing loss, often mediated by Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
• Comprehensive audiological evaluations are essential for understanding the full impact of OSMF.
• Multidisciplinary management strategies and early audiological screening are recommended for improved patient outcomes.