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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Hyperuricemia beyond gout: an emerging risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss
Gauri Govind1, Vijendra S Shenoy2, Neehal Zuturu3
1Dept of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Manipal, India.
Summary
Hyperuricemia is linked to hearing loss and early cochlear dysfunction, as shown by higher hearing thresholds and reduced otoacoustic emissions in affected individuals. These findings highlight the importance of audiological assessments in managing hyperuricemia.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Audiology
Background:
- Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic condition with known systemic effects.
- The association between hyperuricemia and auditory dysfunction remains underexplored.
- Understanding this link is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and auditory function.
- To evaluate hearing thresholds and cochlear outer hair cell function in hyperuricemic individuals.
- To compare audiological assessments between hyperuricemic and normouricemic subjects.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 130 adults (65 hyperuricemic, 65 controls).
- Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) assessed hearing thresholds across frequencies.
- Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) measured cochlear outer hair cell function.
Main Results:
- Hyperuricemic subjects exhibited significantly higher PTA thresholds across all frequencies (p < 0.001).
- Reduced DPOAE signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), especially at high frequencies, were observed in the hyperuricemic group.
- Mild sensorineural hearing loss was more prevalent in individuals with hyperuricemia.
Conclusions:
- Hyperuricemia is associated with early cochlear dysfunction.
- Objective audiological tests like DPOAE can detect subclinical auditory changes in hyperuricemia.
- These findings suggest a need for audiological screening in hyperuricemic patients.
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