[Frequency and distribution of risk factors in hearing loss]

In 45 patients with hearing loss we found metabolic and other "risk factors" above average. In 96% of those patients there was one "risk factor" at least. Latent (63.8%) or manifest diabetes (6.6%) was most frequent. Hyperuricemia was observed in 35.9% and hyperlipoproteinemia type IIa/IIb or IV in 24.2%. Non-metabolic risk factors (overweight, elevated blood pressure, smoking, stress) were found in 80% of the patients. It seems possible and more likely that hearing loss is caused by "risk factors" and consecutive vascular complications of the inner ear than by neurologic or orthopedic diseases. The diagnosis "hearing loss" should motivate the otologist to look for "risk factors" by interdisciplinary cooperation.