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Risk for sudden deafness higher among patients with osteoporosis
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Sudden sensorineural hearing loss development is increased among people diagnosed with osteoporosis, according to recent study findings published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
“A growing body of evidence indicates that osteoporosis affects not only bone health, but the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems,” Kai-Jen Tien, MD, of the Chi Mei Medical Center in Taiwan, said in a press release. “Our findings suggest sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be another broader health problem connected to osteoporosis.”
Tien and colleagues evaluated medical records for 10,660 Taiwan residents diagnosed with osteoporosis between 1999 and 2008 and compared them with 31,980 people without the condition to determine the effect of osteoporosis on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
During follow-up, 91 patients with osteoporosis developed SSNHL (10.43 per 10,000 person-years) compared with 155 controls (5.93 per 10,000 person-years; P < .0001).
A higher risk for SSNHL was seen among women with osteoporosis compared with women without osteoporosis (P < .0001); however, this relationship was not seen among men.
Researchers also found that patients with osteoporosis were 1.76 times more likely to develop SSNHL compared with controls (P < .0001).
Although researchers are unsure of the biological mechanism responsible for the relationship, Tien said the association may be attributed to CV risk facts, bone demineralization, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
“More people worldwide are suffering from osteoporosis, and our work shows they are at risk of sensorineural hearing loss as well as bone fracture and other problems,” Tien said. “Patients who have osteoporosis should be aware they need to seek medical help immediately if they experience hearing loss.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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