Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients with Vitiligo

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and vestibular symptoms among Israeli vitiligo patients as compared with healthy controls. Methods: 16 vitiligo patients and 16 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Vitiligo patients had undergone dermatologic evaluation and complete ENT evaluation. Results: Vitiligo patients demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (p = 0.001). A 'notch'-shaped audiogram was the most frequent type of audiogram found among vitiligo patients (p = 0.021). Patients with mucosal involvement as the primary site of onset had a significantly more normal hearing level (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Due to the high prevalence of SNHL amongst vitiligo patients, it is recommended that these patients undergo a complete hearing evaluation, avoiding ototoxic hazards if possible. (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel