Association between vitiligo and hearing loss

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder caused by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. Some evidence suggests the involvement of melanocytes in the auditory system in the disease process. However, the relationship between vitiligo and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains uncertain. We...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2021-12, Vol.85 (6), p.1465-1472
Main Authors: Ma, Sheng-Hsiang, Ang, Min-De, Chang, Yun-Ting, Dai, Ying-Xiu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deafness
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - diagnosis
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - epidemiology
Humans
metaanalysis
sensorineural
vitiligo
Vitiligo - complications
Vitiligo - epidemiology
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Summary:Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder caused by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. Some evidence suggests the involvement of melanocytes in the auditory system in the disease process. However, the relationship between vitiligo and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains uncertain. We investigated the association between vitiligo and SNHL. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane database were searched for studies examining the association between SNHL and vitiligo from inception to June 28, 2020. A total of 14 case-control studies with 938 patients with vitiligo were included. The meta-analysis showed a significant association of SNHL with vitiligo (odds ratio [OR] 6.02 [95% confidence interval {CI} 3.41-10.62]). The association remained significant after adjustment of study quality and publication bias, with ORs of 5.30 (95% CI 1.53-18.35), and 3.45 (95% CI 1.75-6.81), respectively. Heterogenous definition and measurement of hearing loss and racial differences are potential sources of bias. The evidence to date supports an association of SNHL with vitiligo. These results suggest audiologic assessment for early recognition and management of hearing loss in patients with vitiligo.
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.12.029