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Hearing loss in vitiligo: current concepts and review

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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence, clinical manifestations, audiometric findings, pathogenesis and approach to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) among patients diagnosed with vitiligo with a review of the literature. We present a systematic review of the literature on cases of SNHL in patients diagnosed with vitiligo and studies conducted to investigate audiometric changes in such patients. Data on presentation, diagnosis and medical approach were reviewed. A total of 21 studies and case reports revealed at least 102 cases of SNHL in patients diagnosed with vitiligo. Arguments for a common causative etiology related to melanocyte function were mentioned in most of the literature. Evaluation of hearing function among all patients diagnosed with vitiligo seems to be an accepted approach; it should include audiometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and ABR measurements. Extra precaution to prevent ototoxic or noise-induced hearing loss is strongly recommended. Further research is needed to better understand its pathogenesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hadassah School of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel

    Marrigje Aagje de Jong & Menachem Gross

  2. Speech and Hearing Center, Hadassah School of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

    Cahtia Adelman

Authors
  1. Marrigje Aagje de Jong
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  2. Cahtia Adelman
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  3. Menachem Gross
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Correspondence to Marrigje Aagje de Jong.

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de Jong, M.A., Adelman, C. & Gross, M. Hearing loss in vitiligo: current concepts and review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 274, 2367–2372 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-017-4452-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-017-4452-8

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