Study of Incidence of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to airborne allergens. Although AR is typically associated with nasal symptoms, increasing evidence suggests that it may also lead to auditory dysfunction. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a less-recognized complication of allergic rhinitis, and this study aims to explore the incidence of SNHL in patients with allergic rhinitis in India. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) refers to hearing impairment caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which is due to problems in the outer or middle ear, SNHL results from dysfunction in the auditory pathway and often presents as permanent hearing loss. One potential, yet often overlooked, contributing factor to SNHL is allergic rhinitis (AR), a condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to allergic reactions to airborne allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander). Allergic rhinitis primarily affects the nasal and upper respiratory passages, but the effects of chronic inflammation and immune response may extend to the middle and inner ear. Clinical observations suggest that there may be an association between allergic rhinitis and hearing loss, though the precise pathophysiology and the extent of the problem remain areas of active research.

Aim: This study aims to examine the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss in individuals with allergic rhinitis and explore the mechanisms that could potentially link the two conditions.

Methods: This prospective, observational study included 200 participants (100 with allergic rhinitis and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Audiometric testing (pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry) and clinical evaluations were performed to assess hearing function and AR severity.

Results: The study found that 28% of patients with allergic rhinitis exhibited varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss, compared to 6% in the control group. A significant correlation was observed between the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms and the degree of hearing loss (p < 0.05). Histamine release and chronic inflammation were identified as potential contributors to cochlear damage.

Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis is associated with a higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss. Early identification and management of hearing impairment in allergic rhinitis patients may improve long-term auditory outcomes.