Assessment of auditory and cochlear function in non segmental vitiligo patients: a case controlled study

Vitiligo associated auditory problems have been reported in some patients. Few studies had reported the audiological manifestations. This studyaimed to assess the auditory and cochlear function in non-segmental vitiligo patients. This case control study was carried out on 120 subjects. Participants were divided into; Group 1, which consisted of 60 adults suffering from non-segmental vitiligo, and Group 2, consisting of 60 healthy adults as a control group. Dermatological evaluation was by VIDA (Vitiligo Index of Disease Activity) and VASI (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index) scores. Otoscopic examination, Basic Audiological Evaluation, and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) were assessed in all participants. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was calculated in both ears at different frequencies (250-8000 Hz) and results showed significantly lower thresholds at all tested frequencies in the control group when compared with the study group. DPOAEs, result showed significant lower DPOAE in both right and left ears of the patients with non-segmental vitiligo when compared with normal hearing control group. Hearing evaluation procedures revealed lower hearing threshold of the inner ears in patients with non-segmental vitiligo when compared with control groups.