Assessment of hearing in individuals with allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis is an allergic inflammation of nasal airways. It occurs when allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system. Researchers have found that AR causes conductive hearing loss in adults. Although symptoms related to the inner ear structures were not studied till Singh et al., (2011) who reported a positive correlation between AR and sensorineural hearing loss. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to develop an audiologic profile in individuals with allergic rhinitis. Material and Methods: Fifteen individuals with allergic rhinitis and 15 individuals without any history of allergic rhinitis were subjected for pure-tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emission, auditory brainstem response, tympanometry, auditory reflex thresholds, and Eustachian tube function tests. All these tests were repeated after 1 month on the same individuals. Results: Results indicated poorer pure-tone thresholds with reduced DP amplitude compared to normals. This can be attributed to the changes in outer hair cell function due to allergens (Singh et al., 2011). None of the individuals exhibited any middle ear or Eustachian tube dysfunction. As the pure-tone thresholds or distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude did not improve overmedication, the effects on inner ear function might not be seasonal. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that individuals with AR are more prone to sensorineural hearing loss.