Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Document Type : Original

Authors
Ramin Zojaji 1
Ali Alesheykh 2
Mohammad Reza Sedaghat 3
Kiamarz Navia 4
Morteza Mazloom Farsi Baf 4
Masoud Khaki 5
Aliasghar Raouf 6
1 Department of otorhinolaryngology, Islamic Azad University, Medical branch, Mashhad, Iran
2 Department of ophthalmology, Islamic Azad University, Medical branch, Mashhad, Iran
3 Department of ophthalmology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 General physician, Islamic Azad University, Medical branch, Mashhad, Iran
5 Manager of Education Development Center, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad branch, Mashhad, Iran
6 Audiologist, Pejvak Audiology and Balance Center, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/ijorl.2011.225
Abstract
Introduction:
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) occurs due to the deposition of extracellular fibrillar materials on the anterior chamber of the eye. This syndrome has been considered to be part of a systemic disease with the potential involvement of the inner ear called sensoroneural hearing loss (SNHL).  In this study, we aimed on evaluating SNHL within PXS patients in Iran to compare them with other international reports.
Materials and Methods:
In total, 33 patients with PXS and 33 age and sex matched controls were enrolled prospectively in a case-control study. Both groups underwent complete ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic examinations and pure tone audiometry (PTA) testing. Six frequencies (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 KHz) were evaluated for PTA in the same ethnic group in order to select the case and control individuals. Data were analyzed using t-test and chi-square test.
Results:
Forty-nine out of 66 ears (75.2%) in the PXS group and 27 ears (40.9%) in the control group had SNHL (P<0.001). No significant difference was found between the existence of exfoliative glaucoma (EXG) and SNHL in the PXS patients (P=0.768).
Conclusion:
Our results indicate a significant association between PXS and SNHL and may support the systemic nature of this disease.
Keywords
Hearing Loss
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Sensorineural deafness
Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 23, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
September and October 2011
Pages 149-156