The thyroid and audition

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• Hearing loss, both congenital and acquired, is frequently associated with systemic disorders.
• The thyroid gland is one such system implicated in hearing loss.
• Existing literature offers speculation but lacks a comprehensive understanding of the thyroid-auditory system connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted relationship between thyroid dysfunction and auditory system disorders.
• To categorize known syndromes that link hearing loss and thyroid abnormalities.
• To provide a framework for understanding the thyroid-auditory system connection based on hearing loss etiology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of syndromes associating hearing loss and thyroid abnormalities.
• Classification of these syndromes into four distinct groups based on genetic and temporal factors.
• Analysis of the described associations to identify patterns and gaps in understanding.

Main Results:

• Several syndromes demonstrate a non-coincidental association between hearing loss and thyroid disorders.
• These syndromes can be broadly categorized into non-genetic congenital, non-genetic acquired, genetic congenital, and genetic delayed types.
• The classification highlights the diverse ways thyroid dysfunction may impact the auditory system.

Conclusions:

• A significant link exists between thyroid gland disorders and hearing loss.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this association.
• The proposed categorization aids in organizing and studying the complex interplay between the thyroid and auditory systems.