Hyperuricemia beyond gout: an emerging risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic condition with established systemic effects; however, its potential association with auditory dysfunction has not been clearly defined. This study aimed to evaluate hearing thresholds and cochlear outer hair cell function in individuals with hyperuricemia using subjective and objective audiological assessments.

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 130 participants aged 30-55 years, comprising 65 hyperuricemic subjects and 65 age- and gender-matched normouricemic controls. Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) was performed at frequencies from 250 to 8000 Hz. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) were recorded at 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values were analyzed. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Mean PTA thresholds were higher in hyperuricemic subjects across all tested frequencies compared to controls, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Mild sensorineural hearing loss was more frequently observed in the hyperuricemic group. DPOAE analysis demonstrated significantly reduced SNR values, particularly at higher frequencies, and a higher proportion of absent emissions in hyperuricemic subjects. No significant association was observed between hearing loss and age or duration of symptoms.

The findings suggest an association between hyperuricemia and early cochlear dysfunction. Objective measures such as DPOAE may be useful for identifying subclinical auditory involvement in this population.