Vestibular System and Hearing Involvement in Patients with Turner Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Genetics
• Neurology

Background:

• Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition in females characterized by X chromosome abnormalities.
• While cardiovascular and hearing issues are known, vestibular system involvement in TS is understudied.
• This study investigates vestibular pathology prevalence in TS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine vestibular system involvement in Turner syndrome.
• To determine if TS patients have a higher prevalence of peripheral vestibular pathology than the general population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective longitudinal study of 21 TS patients and 21 age-matched controls.
• Evaluations included audiometry, Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), and computerized dynamic posturography (Sensory Organization Test, Stability Limits Analysis).

Main Results:

• TS patients exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds and reduced vestibulo-ocular reflex gain in specific semicircular canals.
• Posturography showed reduced overall stability and vestibular index in the TS group.
• TS patients demonstrated impairments in directional control, reaction time, and stability limits.

Conclusions:

• Turner syndrome patients have an increased likelihood of vestibular disorders, potentially linked to estrogen deficiency.
• Routine vestibular and posturographic assessments are recommended for early detection and rehabilitation in TS patients, even without overt symptoms.