Audiological Features in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Hearing impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been underestimated for decades. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect both the middle ear (specifically, the incudomalleolar and incudostapedial joints) and inner ear (including the cochlea and acoustic nerve) simultaneously. Despite ongoing research, consensus on effective treatments for hearing impairment in these patients remains elusive. This systematic review aims to consolidate clinically relevant information for healthcare providers by summarizing current evidence on hearing impairment in rheumatoid arthritis patients. We conducted the current systematic review by searching platforms of PubMed, Embase, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect to retrieve eligible articles regarding hearing impairment related to rheumatoid arthritis. We extract any data on characteristics, pathophysiology, examination, and treatment related to rheumatoid arthritis. Based on the currently available evidence, we advocate for the use of specific audiometric tests to facilitate early detection of hearing impairment in these patients. Regular audiological assessments are recommended to monitor hearing ability and potentially prevent further deterioration. Finally, we propose a modified treatment protocol that integrates steroids, hydroxychloroquine, and non-invasive brain stimulation as a novel therapeutic approach for managing these symptoms. This protocol aims to offer clinicians new strategies to address hearing impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis effectively.