The study reveals a significant incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in SCD patients (36.95%), although the patients were clinically asymptomatic. The hearing loss was worse in the right ears and had a female preponderance. Also, the hearing loss was more severe at the higher frequencies, 2,000-8,000 Hz in SCD patients. HbS, HbF, or low hemoglobin levels did not discriminate SCD patients with SNHL, and the role of hemoglobin F in the cochlea is still not clear. Regular audiometric assessment should therefore be recommended in SCD patients routinely.
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