Frequency of Audiological Complaints in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome and its Relationship with Oxidative Stress

Aim: Central sensitization-related neuroaudiological symptoms are frequently seen in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This study aimed to evaluate the audiological signs and symptoms in patients with FMS and explore their relationship with oxidative stress markers. Methods: This prospective controlled cross-sectional study compared the serum myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in 44 patients with FMS diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria and 44 healthy volunteers. FMS severity was assessed using the visual analog scale and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. An audiological assessment including vocalizations, vertigo, balance problems, and hearing problems was done to all participants. Results: The two groups were of similar age (P = 0.24), gender (P = 0.40), and weight distribution (P = 0.6). Vertigo, tinnitus, hearing, and balance complaints (P = 0.01/P = 0.00/P = 0.00/P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the FMS group. All subunits and total scores of dizziness handicap inventory were significantly higher (P = 0.00/P = 0.00/P = 0.01/P = 0.01) in the FMS group. An antioxidant GPx and oxidant parameters such as NO and MDA were found to be significantly higher (P = 0.00/P = 0.01/P = 0.02). The hearing assessments at frequencies between 250 and 12,000 Hz showed a significant difference between the two groups (high hearing frequencies in the FMS group) in audiometry. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the presence of stabilo-acoustic reflex, intraaural pressure, and compliance (P = 0.18/P = 0.33/P = 0.41) in tympanogram. Conclusions: Patients with FMS have high levels of oxidative stress markers (GPx, NO, and MDA), highly frequent audiological symptoms with high hearing frequencies in audiometry, independent of disease severity.