Iris Color and Hearing Loss

Kleinstein, Robert N.; Seitz, Michael R.; Barton, T E; Smith, C R

doi:10.1097/00006324-198403000-00001

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…This may explain why studies have shown that the protective effect of melanin in noise-induced hearing loss is only observed at damaging levels of loud noise. 34 42 In future studies, the level of cutaneous melanin in the participants could be determined using spectrophotometry technology. Additionally, a future investigation could examine the relationship between variations of pigmentation-related genes and tinnitus perception.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another explanation could be that the protective effects of melanin may only be evident when the ear has undergone a challenge or injury. 42 Its effect seems to be more evident at higher noise levels; therefore, authors report that pure-tone thresholds do not differ in normal-hearing individuals with different iris pigmentations who have not been exposed to an acoustic challenge that would cause auditory stress. 34 45 46 The same might be true for the role of melanin in the emergence of tinnitus in silence.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Role of Eye Color in the Emergence of Tinnitus in Silence

Ukaegbe

Tucker

2021

Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol

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Introduction Previous research suggests that African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to perceive tinnitus in sustained silence. Objective To evaluate the association between non-cutaneous melanin as indicated by eye color and the emergence of temporary tinnitus during a brief period of silence. Methods A cross-section of adults grouped according to their eye color were exposed to silence. A total of 62 adults, aged 18 to 35 years (10 males, 52 females) were required to sit in silence for 10 minutes, after which they filled out a questionnaire to report their eye color and any perception of sounds in the ears or head. Results In total, 63% of the participants perceived tinnitus while sitting in silence, and, of these 95% perceived the tinnitus sounds within 5 minutes of sitting in silence. Though African Americans were less likely to perceive tinnitus in silence, this difference was not significant (p = 0.6). After a period of silence, 69% of the subjects with light-colored eyes and 58% of the dark-eyed subjects perceived tinnitus. This difference was not statistically significant (χ2(1) = 0.77; p = 0.38). Conclusion When exposed to reduced auditory stimulation, 3 out of 5 normal-hearing people are likely to experience tinnitus. However, there was no relationship between eye color and the perception of tinnitus in silence. Although melanin has been shown to play a role in the protection of the ear against noise trauma and the effects of age-related hearing loss, its role in the emergence of tinnitus needs further investigation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Eye Color in the Emergence of Tinnitus in Silence

Ukaegbe

Tucker

2021

Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol

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“…Isolated reports in the iridological literature have indicated that pathology of the ear does register as changes in the pigmentation of the iris (Hauser et al, 2000;Kleinstein et al, 1984;Hall, 1980). These include a report that fibers of the iris in the area representative of the ear part, revealing a darker layer of damage in response to loud music over long periods of time in persons suffering from hyperacusis (Hall, 1980).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These include a report that fibers of the iris in the area representative of the ear part, revealing a darker layer of damage in response to loud music over long periods of time in persons suffering from hyperacusis (Hall, 1980). A study investigating iris color and noise induced hearing loss indicated a significant relationship between iris color and high noise exposure in contrast to no significant relationship in cases with low noise exposure (Kleinstein et al, 1984). Other hearing related pathologies, such as Ménière's disease have been reported to register on the iris in the zone representing equilibrium of the ear (Hauser et al, 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying Hearing Loss By Means Of Iridology

Stearn¹,

Swanepoel²

2008

Afr. J. Trad. Compl. Alt. Med.

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Isolated reports of hearing loss presenting as markings on the iris exist, but to date the effectiveness of iridology to identify hearing loss has not been investigated. This study therefore aimed to determine the efficacy of iridological analysis in the identification of moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss in adolescents. A controlled trial was conducted with an iridologist, blind to the actual hearing status of participants, analyzing the irises of participants with and without hearing loss. Fifty hearing impaired and fifty normal hearing subjects, between the ages of 15 and 19 years, controlled for gender, participated in the study. An experienced iridologist analyzed the randomised set of participants' irises. A 70% correct identification of hearing status was obtained by iridological analyses with a false negative rate of 41% compared to a 19% false positive rate. The respective sensitivity and specificity rates therefore came to 59% and 81%. Iridological analysis of hearing status indicated a statistically significant relationship to actual hearing status (P < 0.05). Although statistically significant sensitivity and specificity rates for identifying hearing loss by iridology were not comparable to those of traditional audiological screening procedures.

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Abnormal Arm Tone, Cigarette Smoking and Use of Blood Pressure Medication in a Sight Enhancement Clinic Population

Paetkau¹

1987

Low Vision

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Iris Color and Hearing Loss

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

The Role of Eye Color in the Emergence of Tinnitus in Silence

The Role of Eye Color in the Emergence of Tinnitus in Silence

Identifying Hearing Loss By Means Of Iridology

Abnormal Arm Tone, Cigarette Smoking and Use of Blood Pressure Medication in a Sight Enhancement Clinic Population

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