Hearing Loss in HIV Positive Patients

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss in HIV positive patients have been reported. However, these reports were hearing loss caused by sudden hearing loss, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and so on. We investigated hearing loss in HIV positive patients to know hearing loss possibility other than sudden hearing loss, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and so on. Methods: One hundred fifty seven patients were enrolled in this study. They consulted our hospital from April in 2006 to March in 2008. Some patients suffered from sensorineural hearing loss caused by sudden deafness, Ramsay-Hunt syndrome and so on. This study also includes patients which do not complaint of hearing loss. Usual otolaryngological examination and blood tests were examined. Their ear membranes, nasal cavity and oral cavity were checked up. Pure-tone audiometry was examined in all patients. Electronystagmogram including caloric testing were done in some patients suffered from hearing loss. In addition, CD4 T-cell counts and RNA copy numbers were investigated by blood test Results: Patients suffered from sudden deafness, Ramsay-Hunt syndrome or Meniere's disease revealed ipsilateral sensorineural healing loss. Some patients other than these patients showed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Usually their high-tone hearing levels were deteriorated. We investigated the relationship between hearing levels and CD4 T-cell counts. The hearing loss was more severe in patients with low CD4 T-cell counts. Conclusion: Severe HIV positive patients more often suffered from sensorineural hearing loss.