correlation between vitiligo and hearing losse

ABSTRACT

To determine the correlation between vitiligo and hearing loss. Fifty patients with active vitiligo and forty healthy subjects were included in this case control study. Pure tone thresholds were determined at frequencies between 250 and 8000Hz. We compared the results in control and patients group by use of chi-square test. M/F ratio was 1040 in the patients group and 1030 in the control group. Mean age in patients and control groups was 22 and 22.6 years old respectively. The mean hearing threshold in patients was 19.5 +/- 5.7 and 10 +/- 5.7 in control groups. High frequency sensor neural hearing loss was seen in 19 out of 50 patients [38%], whereas no hearing loss was observed in the control group [X[2]=19.26, P<0.001]. Bilateral, right ear and left ear involvement were 63.1%, 26.3% and 10.6% respectively. Statistical difference between bilateral and unilateral involvement was significant [P<0.05]. No conductive hearing loss was seen in the control and patients groups. Vitiligo, Which is a type of pigmentary disorder, seems to be an effective factor in hearing loss. The mechanism for this condition might be the absence of the preventive function of melanin - containing cells in the inner ear