Association of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with asthma: a longitudinal follow-up study using a national sample cohort

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in asthma patients.DesignA longitudinal follow-up study using a retrospective cohortSettingThe 2002–2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening CohortParticipants and interventionsThe ≥40 years old Korean population were enrolled. The asthma patients were 1:1 matched with the control group for age, sex, income and region of residence.Main outcome measureThe occurrence of SSNHL was followed in both asthma and control groups. The stratified Cox proportional hazard model was used. Age, sex, income and region of residence were stratified, and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and atopic dermatitis histories were adjusted. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age, sex, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.ResultsThe results showed that 1.0% (877/90 564) of the asthma group and 0.8% (706/90,564) of the control group exhibited SSNHL (p<0.001). The asthma group demonstrated a higher HR for SSNHL than the control group (adjusted HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36, p<0.001). According to age and sex, the female subgroup showed elevated HRs for SSNHL in asthma patients. Both the non-smoker and current smoker groups demonstrated higher HRs for SSNHL in asthma patients than in controls. According to alcohol consumption or obesity, the <1 time a week alcohol consumption group and normal weight and severe obesity groups showed higher HRs for SSNHL in asthma patients than in the controls.ConclusionsAdult asthma patients had a higher risk of SSNHL than the control participants matched for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

A systematic review of the clinical evidence for an association between type I hypersensitivity and inner ear disorders

“…Much less is known about the association of allergies with both types of sudden hearing loss: ISSNHL and ALHL. Apart from the evidence collected, we found a recent paper showing that the risk of developing ISSNHL is higher in patients with asthma than in controls ( 72 ). Although this was a longitudinal follow-up study using a retrospective cohort and health insurance records, and no information was provided on the type of asthma, based on other studies ( 73 ), it can be assumed that about 50% of the asthma cases were due to type I hypersensitivity disorders.…”

Exploration of the factors influencing hearing disability in older adults of China: a nested case-control study

“…The presence of asthma is considered a risk factor for hearing disability in older adults, as previous studies have indicated a link between allergies and sudden hearing disability ( 35 ). It is highly conceivable that allergic reactions in asthma patients increase the risk of hearing disability ( 36 ), but the extent of this association is still not fully understood and requires further investigation. Nonetheless, the prevention of hearing disability in older adults should take into account the presence of asthma as a potential factor, and caregivers should be attentive when providing care for older adults with asthma.…”