Use Of Ototoxic Drugs Research Articles

Neonatal and maternal risk factors for hearing loss in children based on population-based data of Korea

ObjectivesWe identified the neonatal and maternal risk factors for hearing loss (HL) in children using National Health Insurance Service data of Korea. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Service. Infants born from 2007 to 2013 were tracked to 2015. Those diagnosed with hearing disabilities or who underwent cochlear implant surgery were included in the hearing disability group. We compared the incidence of any diagnosed disability other than a hearing disability; any maternal disability at delivery; maternal age at delivery; prenatal and neonatal Toxoplasma, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex infections; craniofacial anomaly; low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia, and bacterial meningitis; neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission for > 5 days; exchange transfusion; and ototoxic drug use (aminoglycosides or loop diuretics), between the hearing disability and control groups. ResultsThe total number of newborns came to 3,164,825. Risk factors were sought in a hearing disability group (n = 847) compared to a control group (n = 2508). A diagnosed disability other than a hearing disability, which was commonly a brain lesion, the use of ototoxic drugs, NICU admission for >5 days, and a maternal disability at delivery, which was commonly a hearing disability, were significant neonatal and maternal risk factors for HL in children. ConclusionsAccompanying brain lesions, maternal hearing disabilities at delivery, use of ototoxic drugs during the neonatal period, and hospitalization in NICU for >5 days were significant risk factors for HL in children, as revealed by analysis of population-based data.

Risk Factors for Congenital Deafness in Pediatric Patients Who Underwent Otoaccoustic Emission (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Examinations in General Hospital Mohammad Hoesin Palembang, Indonesia

Introduction: Congenital deafness is a hearing loss that occurs at birth. Congenital deafness in neonates can be caused by risk factors during pregnancy and during the birth process. The tests carried out for hearing screening for neonates in hospital up to 1 month old are Otoaccoustic Emission (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) examinations.
 Objective: Determining the relationship between family history of deafness, syndromes associated with sensorineural hearing loss, TORCH infection and prenatal syphilis, use of ototoxic drugs during pregnancy, prematurity, low birth weight, asphyxia, and hyperbilirubinemia with the incidence of congenital deafness in children
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted based on medical record datas from children who underwent OAE and ABR examinations at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang hospital from January 2019 to February 2021.
 Results: From the 349 children, 180 (51.6%) had bilateral OAE and ABR pass results, 161 (46.1%) had bilateral referrals and 8 (2.3%) children received unilateral refer results. From 122 children with risk factors, 38 (31.1%) children with bilateral passes, 81 (66.4%) children with bilateral referrals and 3 (2.5 %) children with unilateral refer. From 227 children without risk factors, 142 (62.6 %) children with a bilateral pass, 80 (35.2 %) children with bilateral referrals and 5 (2.2%) children with unilateral refer. The most common risk factor was LBW of 41 (11.7%) children. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis results showed a significant relationship between ototoxic drugs during pregnancy and congenital deafness (p = 0.001) with referral results, the value of Odd Ratio (OR) 9.651.
 Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between risk factors for ototoxic drugs during pregnancy, TORCH and syphilis infection during pregnancy, asphyxia, congenital syndrome, LBWand hyperbilirubinemia with congenital deafness.

Risk Factors for Congenital Deafness in Pediatric Patients Who Underwent Otoaccoustic Emission (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Examinations in General Hospital Mohammad Hoesin Palembang, Indonesia

Introduction: Congenital deafness is a hearing loss that occurs at birth. Congenital deafness in neonates can be caused by risk factors during pregnancy and during the birth process. The tests carried out for hearing screening for neonates in hospital up to 1 month old are Otoaccoustic Emission (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) examinations.
 Objective: Determining the relationship between family history of deafness, syndromes associated with sensorineural hearing loss, TORCH infection and prenatal syphilis, use of ototoxic drugs during pregnancy, prematurity, low birth weight, asphyxia, and hyperbilirubinemia with the incidence of congenital deafness in children
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted based on medical record datas from children who underwent OAE and ABR examinations at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang hospital from January 2019 to February 2021.
 Results: From the 349 children, 180 (51.6%) had bilateral OAE and ABR pass results, 161 (46.1%) had bilateral referrals and 8 (2.3%) children received unilateral refer results. From 122 children with risk factors, 38 (31.1%) children with bilateral passes, 81 (66.4%) children with bilateral referrals and 3 (2.5 %) children with unilateral refer. From 227 children without risk factors, 142 (62.6 %) children with a bilateral pass, 80 (35.2 %) children with bilateral referrals and 5 (2.2%) children with unilateral refer. The most common risk factor was LBW of 41 (11.7%) children. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis results showed a significant relationship between ototoxic drugs during pregnancy and congenital deafness (p = 0.001) with referral results, the value of Odd Ratio (OR) 9.651.
 Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between risk factors for ototoxic drugs during pregnancy, TORCH and syphilis infection during pregnancy, asphyxia, congenital syndrome, LBWand hyperbilirubinemia with congenital deafness.

Audiometric Phenotypes of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss by Data-Driven Cluster Analysis and Their Relevant Characteristics.

Background: The definition of notched audiogram for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is presently based on clinical experience, but audiometric phenotypes of NIHL are highly heterogeneous. The data-driven clustering of subtypes could provide refined characteristics of NIHL, and help identify individuals with typical NIHL at diagnosis.Methods: This cross-sectional study initially recruited 12,218 occupational noise-exposed employees aged 18–60 years from two factories of a shipyard in Eastern China. Of these, 10,307 subjects with no history of otological injurie or disease, family history of hearing loss, or history of ototoxic drug use were eventually enrolled. All these subjects completed health behavior questionnaires, cumulative noise exposure (CNE) measurement, and pure-tone audiometry. We did data-driven cluster analysis (k-means clustering) in subjects with hearing loss audiograms (n = 6,599) consist of two independent datasets (n = 4,461 and n = 2,138). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to analyze the relevant characteristics of subjects with different audiometric phenotypes compared to those subjects with normal hearing audiograms (n = 3,708).Results: A total of 10,307 subjects (9,165 males [88.9%], mean age 34.5 [8.8] years, mean CNE 91.2 [22.7] dB[A]) were included, 3,708 (36.0%) of them had completely normal hearing, the other 6,599 (64.0%) with hearing loss audiograms were clustered into four audiometric phenotypes, which were replicable in two distinct datasets. We named the four clusters as the 4–6 kHz sharp-notched, 4–6 kHz flat-notched, 3–8 kHz notched, and 1–8 kHz notched audiogram. Among them, except for the 4–6 kHz flat-notched audiogram which was not significantly related to NIHL, the other three phenotypes with different relevant characteristics were strongly associated with noise exposure. In particular, the 4–6 kHz sharp-notched audiogram might be a typical subtype of NIHL.Conclusions: By data-driven cluster analysis of the large-scale noise-exposed population, we identified three audiometric phenotypes associated with distinct NIHL subtypes. Data-driven sub-stratification of audiograms might eventually contribute to the precise diagnosis and treatment of NIHL.

Newborn hearing screening results: Comparison of Syrian and Turkish newborns; factors influencing the difference

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the hearing screening results of Syrian and Turkish newborns and reveal the risk factors faced by Syrian refugees. MethodsThe neonatal hearing screening results of newborns born in, or admitted to, the Sanliurfa Research and Education Hospital, Sanliurfa/Turkey, between January 01, 2018, and December 31, 2018, were analyzed. Newborns with congenital anomalies and syndromes were excluded from the study. Also, the neonatal hearing screening results and risk factors of newborns diagnosed with hearing loss were analyzed. ResultsA total of 6034 Syrian and 37,219 Turkish newborns were included in the study. Hearing loss was found in 84 (0.2%) of 37,219 Turkish newborns and 26 (0.4%) of 6034 Syrian newborns. In this study, the risk factors such as consanguineous marriages, familial hearing loss, hospitalization in intensive care, prematurity, low birth weight (less than 1500 g), hyperbilirubinemia, use of ototoxic drugs, history of congenital infection, blood incompatibility, and trauma at birth were found in newborns with hearing loss. The risk factors were present in 41.7% of Turkish newborns and 65.4% of Syrian newborns with hearing loss. ConclusionsThe high hearing loss rates found in Syrian newborns showed how accurate it was to include the Syrian migrants born in Turkey into the neonatal hearing screening program and the newborns with hearing loss into appropriate rehabilitation programs. Further studies should focus on the risk factors faced by Syrian migrants so that the number of Syrian newborns with hearing loss can be reduced.

Worldwide Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Smartphone Users: Cross-Sectional Study Using a Mobile-Based App.

BackgroundIn addition to the aging process, risk factors for hearing loss in adults include, among others, exposure to noise, use of ototoxic drugs, genetics, and limited access to medical care. Differences in exposure to these factors are bound to be reflected in the prevalence of hearing loss. Assessment of hearing loss can easily be carried out on a large scale and at low cost using mobile apps.ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a worldwide assessment of the differences in hearing loss prevalence between countries in a group of mobile device users.MethodsHearing tests were conducted using the open-access Android-based mobile app Hearing Test. The app is available free of charge in the Google Play store, provided that consent to the use of the results for scientific purposes is given. This study included hearing tests carried out on device models supported by the app with bundled headphones in the set. Calibration factors for supported models were determined using the biological method. The tests consisted of self-determining the quietest audible tone in the frequency range from 250 Hz to 8 kHz by adjusting its intensity using the buttons. The ambient noise level was optionally monitored using a built-in microphone. Following the test, the user could compare his hearing threshold against age norms by providing his or her age. The user's location was identified based on the phone’s IP address.ResultsFrom November 23, 2016 to November 22, 2019, 733,716 hearing tests were conducted on 236,716 mobile devices across 212 countries. After rejecting the tests that were incomplete, performed with disconnected headphones, not meeting the time criterion, repeated by the same user, or carried out regularly on one device, 116,733 of 733,716 tests (15.9%) were qualified for further analysis. The prevalence of hearing loss, defined as the average threshold at frequencies 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz above 25 dB HL in the better ear, was calculated at 15.6% (95% CI 15.4-15.8). Statistically significant differences were found between countries (P<.001), with the highest prevalences for Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India (>28%) and the lowest prevalences for Taiwan, Finland, and South Korea (<11%).ConclusionsHearing thresholds measured by means of mobile devices were congruent with the literature data on worldwide hearing loss prevalence. Uniform recruitment criteria simplify the comparison of the hearing loss prevalence across countries. Hearing testing on mobile devices may be a valid tool in epidemiological studies carried out on a large scale.

Awareness And Abuse Of Ototoxic Drugs Among Health Professionals In Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti

Background of study—The challenge of hearing loss is global but worse in Africa. It heavily weighs adversely on the national economy, occupational productivity and social integration on the Individual and family affected and on the community and society at large. Injury to the ear which may lead to hearing loss have been attributed to many factors, one of the major factors, being drugs that are injurious to the ear commonly called ototoxic drugs. Other damaging factors are infections, noise, genetics and metabolic systemic diseases. The menace of ototoxic drugs is devastating in Africa because there is no legislation yet against these drugs hence they are still easily purchased without medical prescription. There are over 200 known ototoxic medications (both prescribe drugs and over-the-counter) in the market today. This study was therefore aimed at assessing awareness and abuse of ototoxic drug among health care professionals in a federal teaching hospital in Nigeria as a preliminary study to comprehensive solution to the challenges of hearing loss in Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology—A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study with purposive sampling technique was used as the research design which is aimed at determining the awareness and abuse of ototoxic drugs among health professionals in a Federal Teaching Hospital A sample size of 365 participants was calculated for the research study but only 191 persons participated in the study comprising of 111 nurses, 47 doctors, 33 pharmacists. Semi- structured questionnaires were administered to the target group; Test-retest method was used to test the reliability of the questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS and analysis was done at both univariate and bivariate levels.&#x0D; Result—The findings from the study revealed that there was a high level of awareness of ototoxic drugs among health professionals (94.8%) but prevalence (66.5%) level of ototoxic drug was also high. Majority of the respondent have high level of awareness about ototoxic drugs, therefore use some of the drugs with precaution but it was found however that the prevalence of ototoxic drug was still high and this is found to be attributed to other compelling factors such as reduced price, readily available and shorter medication regime. Findings from the study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between level of education of respondents and their awareness about ototoxic drugs but there is no significant relationship between the profession of respondents and their awareness of ototoxic drug use.

P.198 Sex differences in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) treated with Cannabidiol oil

Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) is the result of genetic predispositions combined with various environmental factors that affect the inner ear and accumulate during a lifetime. Several genes may be involved in presbycusis. Mitochondrial DNA common deletion levels in human cochlear tissue are related to the severity of hearing loss in individuals with presbycusis. In addition, it appears that reactive oxygen species formation and apoptosis are key events in the underlying pathology. The environmental factors contributing to presbycusis are very heterogeneous and may include, for example, smoking, exposure to loud noise, and the use of ototoxic drugs. ARHI does not follow a single pattern and may potentially be accompanied by either one or more of the following: an age-dependent loss of sensory hair cells and/or auditory nerve fibers, and degeneration of the stria vascularis.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Newborns Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study.

Children hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) present an increased risk for Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) due to prematurity, hypoxia-ischemia, hyperventilation, low birth weight and the use of ototoxic drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SNHL in newborns hospitalized in a NICU using Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Responses (A-ABR) and analyze the associated risk factors. A sample of 153 newborns hospitalized in NICU underwent TEOAE, A-ABR and clinical ABR to evaluate the presence of hearing deficits. Prevalence of SNHL was calculated and odds ratio for specific risk factors was measured. One-hundred fifteen babies (86.7%) presented normal hearing at TEOAE and A-ABR. Fifteen children had a REFER response at TEOAE and a PASS response at A-ABR. Twenty-five children (16.3%) had a REFER A-ABR and were addressed to clinical ABR. A diagnosis of SNHL was made in 12 (7.8%) newborns. An increased risk of SNHL was observed in preterm children <28 weeks (p=0.0135), in children with neurological disorders (p=0.02), that underwent surgery (p=0.0002), affected from premature retinopathy (p=0.0006), craniofacial malformation (p=0.007) and that had sepsis (p=0.04). Additional risk factors for SNHL in our sample were a maternal disease during pregnancy (p=0.0011), cesarean delivery (p<0.0001) and a twin pregnancy (p<0.0001). SNHL in newborns is correlated with hospitalization in NICU. An accurate hearing screening associated to a rigorous clinical medical collection of data is necessary to promptly identify cases of SNHL in children with a special attention to those hospitalized in NICU and plan proper intervention.

Characterization of the neonatal phencyclidine and post-weaning social isolation dual-hit model of schizophrenia-like behavior in the rat

Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) is the result of genetic predispositions combined with various environmental factors that affect the inner ear and accumulate during a lifetime. Several genes may be involved in presbycusis. Mitochondrial DNA common deletion levels in human cochlear tissue are related to the severity of hearing loss in individuals with presbycusis. In addition, it appears that reactive oxygen species formation and apoptosis are key events in the underlying pathology. The environmental factors contributing to presbycusis are very heterogeneous and may include, for example, smoking, exposure to loud noise, and the use of ototoxic drugs. ARHI does not follow a single pattern and may potentially be accompanied by either one or more of the following: an age-dependent loss of sensory hair cells and/or auditory nerve fibers, and degeneration of the stria vascularis.

Screening for hearing loss among school going children

Hearing loss results from a deviation in the perception of sounds in one's environment. A child may have hearing loss at a hearing threshold of ≥16 dB. Hearing loss is among the frequent disorders and affects lots of people globally. Hearing loss negatively affects many areas needed for classroom learning, language development, academic performance, and social development. These consequences can be reduced by early detection with appropriate audiological and speech therapy interventions. In developing countries like Ghana, there is no such laid down formal hearing screening programs for early detection of any signs of impairments. The present study was aimed at identifying the prevalence and causes of hearing loss among basic school children aged between 5 and 17 years at Freetown Basic School, Ho. The study sought to determine the causes and prevalence of hearing loss. Out of the 210 participants, 44 (21%) failed the audiometric screening test. Out of the 44 students who failed the audiometric screening test, 25 (11.9%) had hearing loss across all the test frequencies. Prevalence of hearing loss among basic school children was found to be 11.9%. This shows that hearing loss is not uncommon among school going children in the Ho Municipality. It was determined from the study that the prevailing causes of the hearing impairments may be attributable to abused use of ototoxic drugs and ear-aches and infections with majority of participants recording mild hearing loss. It can be concluded that hearing loss among school going children is preventable if appropriate measures are put in place.

Audiometric assessment of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate hearing impairment in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of the AudGen database generated by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Audiograms were analyzed for type of hearing loss (HL), pure-tone-average (PTA), laterality, and change in hearing over time. Medical charts were reviewed to identify factors that influence development and progression of hearing loss. Results217 patients with CF were included in this study. 69 (31.8%) had hearing loss on initial audiogram. Chronic otitis media (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.5, p<0.01), Eustachian tube dysfunction (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4–5.4, p<0.01), and otorrhea (OR: 6.3, 95% CI: 1.6–24.7, p<0.01) were positive predictors of HL. Children with a diagnosis of diabetes had more decline in hearing over time than those without diabetes (12.4±17.2dB worsening vs. −5.7±9.8dB improvement in PTA, p=0.014). ConclusionThis is the largest comprehensive analysis of all types of hearing loss in pediatric patients with CF. Our data suggest that children with more severe sinus disease may be at lower risk for inflammatory middle ear disease and subsequent hearing loss. Patients who develop complications of CF such as diabetes should be monitored frequently, and the use of ototoxic drugs should be limited if possible.

Improving the efficiency of Auditory Brainstem Responses in newborns, using a 60 clicks/s stimulation rate

Recent evidence suggests that Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), in neonates with risk factors for neurological damage, may show auditory brainstem abnormalities, even in patients with normal hearing. To compare the recording and diagnostic accuracy of neonatal Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), using 10 and 60clicks/s stimulation rates, two groups of neonates were prospectively studied: 30 healthy full-term neonates, with no peri- or postnatal complications; and 30 high-risk newborns with two or more of the following conditions: hyperbilirubinemia, use of ototoxic drugs, birth weight inferior to 1500g, perinatal sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and/or mechanical ventilation. Correlation between ABR trials, recording duration, and the absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR waves I, III and V, were measured. ROC-curve analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of both stimulation rates. The correlations between ABRs trials were significantly higher at 60clicks/s than at 10clicks/s (F(1,116)=14.5, p<0.0002). Recording duration at 60clicks/s was significantly lower (t=20.9, p<0.0001). ROC-curve comparisons showed increased diagnostic accuracy at the stimulation rate of 60clicks/s, for waves I (D=2.04, p=0.04), V (D=2.02, p=0.04), interpeak latencies III-V (D=2.2, p=0.02), and I-V (D=2.86, p=0.004). In neonates, the use of 60clicks/s stimulation rate permits a substantial shortening of the ABR recording, with greater diagnostic accuracy and replicability.

Hearing loss among high-risk newborns admitted to a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Purpose: The aim of this work is to identify the most significant risk factors for hearing impairment in high risk neonates hospitalized at our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to assess the sensitivity of hearing screening tests.Methods: This study involved 260 neonates admitted to a tertiary NICU; they were classified into two groups; 150 preterm and 110 full terms with risk factors for hearing loss. The hearing screening tests performed were transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR).Results: Forty-eight preterm neonates (32%) and 30 full term neonates (27.3%) had pathological AABR. In preterm group, mechanical ventilation more than five days, sepsis, usage of aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, vancomycin alone or in combination with aminoglycosides and prolonged duration of admission were considered risk factors of hearing affection whereas in full term group mechanical ventilation more than five days was the risk factor of hearing affection (p<.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing loss is highest among high risk neonates and TEOAE and AABR were found to be reliable screening tools. Use of ototoxic drugs and mechanical ventilation for more than five days were significant risk factors for hearing loss in our study population.

Correlation of hearing loss with various biochemical and disease parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease

Objectives: To correlate the hearing loss with duration of the disease, stage of the disease, ototoxic drugs use, co-morbidity and biochemical parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Material and Methods: This prospective study of 50 CKD patients was conducted in the department of ototolaryngology head and neck surgery and department of internal medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, between December 2008 to November 2009. The blood investigation report of the patients were noted. Otological examination was carried out including tunning fork test and pure tone audiometry. Middle ear pathology and conductive hearing loss were excluded. Data was collected and analyzed.Results : Sensory neural hearing loss was higher in patients with; end stage renal disease (stage-5), co-morbidity, haemoglobin level less than 8.5, duration of CKD greater than 2 years, and ototoxic drug administration, but not statistically significant (P-value &gt;0.05). Hearing loss in patients with CKD was not influenced by fasting blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and serum phosphorus. (P-value &gt;0.05)Conclusion: The hearing loss in patients with chronic kidney disease was not significantly related with stage of CKD, co-morbidity, ototoxic drug use, fasting blood sugar, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and serum phosphorus (P-value &gt;0.05). The sensory neural hearing loss in these patients may be due to the advanced age and possible accelerated presbyacusis by the disease.

Instability Due to Drug-Induced Vestibulotoxicity.

The therapeutic use of ototoxic drugs is relatively common, particularly in patients with severe diseases. It is likely that disturbances of balance in these patients are underestimated by clinicians. The purpose of this study was to identify drugs involved in the vestibulotoxic origin of instability in a group of 18 patients. Six patients showed both cochlear and vestibular damage, while 12 were affected only by posterior labyrinthine damage. Four groups of drugs were identified: antibiotics (nine patients), cytostatics (four), anti-tuberculosis medicinal products (three), and other drugs (two). Cytostatics were involved in many cases studied, a fact scarcely reported before. It is important to ensure an early diagnosis to prevent ototoxic effects induced by drugs. We propose that patients receiving potential ototoxic drugs undergo cochlear and vestibular assessments. Further, we recommend that patients with instability undergo vestibular rehabilitation.

74. Screening high risk babies with Auditory Brainstem Responses and Multiple Auditory Steady State Responses

Objective Evaluate the results of the hearing screening program organized and applied in the “William Soler” Paediatric Hospital, targeting multiple high-risk groups. Material and methods The children were evaluated using click Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR with Multiple Auditory Steady State Responses (MSSR) (0.5 and 2 kHz). The possible causes of hearing impairment were examined comparatively. Results The results shows an overall incidence of permanent hearing losses of 3,3% in the high risk population with referral rates of around 10%. The common perinatal causes of hearing losses were low birth weight; foetal suffering and the use of ototoxic drugs have remained very frequent. Conclusions The incidence of hearing impairment and the referral rates were quite comparable to those reported in the high risk population by similar screening protocols. It is found some variations in the current causes of hearing losses when comparing the early and late periods (before and after 1990) of the screening program. Significance This hearing screening program with Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) and Multiple Auditory Steady State Responses (MSSR) shows a high grade of efficiency and sensibility in programs to early detection of hearing deafness.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Campus

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Campus

Histopathologic Evaluation of Vascular Findings in the Cochlea in Patients With Presbycusis.

Age-related changes in cochlear vessel wall thickness in human temporal bones have not been described previously. To compare thickness of the spiral modiolar artery and strial capillaries and to investigate strial atrophy and vessel loss in temporal bones with and without presbycusis. This retrospective case-control study examined the autopsy reports of 1024 patients in the temporal bone collection at the University of Minnesota. Inclusion criteria consisted of being 60 years or older with sensorineural hearing loss and progression of hearing loss with age (presbycusis group). Age-matched controls had no record of hearing loss. All patients underwent pure-tone audiometry. Exclusion criteria included a history of otologic disease, ototoxic drug use, head or acoustic trauma, or systemic disease. Data were collected from October 1, 2013, to October 1, 2014. Vessel wall thickness in the modiolar artery and strial vessels, the strial area, and number of strial vessels were measured under light microscopy. Among the 1024 autopsy reports examined, 11 patients (19 temporal bones) with presbycusis (7 men and 4 women; age range, 67-88 years; mean [SD] age, 78 [7] years]) and 15 controls (24 temporal bones) (7 men and 8 women; age range, 67-94 years; mean [SD] age, 79 [8] years) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, the presbycusis group had significantly increased mean (SD) thickness of vessel walls in the modiolar arteries (6.73 [2.39] vs 5.55 [0.86] μm; P = .02) and the strial capillaries in the lower basal (1.57 [0.21] vs 1.39 [0.15] μm; P = .005), upper basal (1.62 [0.28] vs 1.40 [0.13] μm; P < .001), lower middle (1.68 [0.22] vs 1.39 [0.20] μm; P < .001), upper middle (1.74 [0.39] vs 1.40 [0.19] μm; P = .01), and apical (1.70 [0.36] vs 1.47 [0.21] μm; P = .04) turns of the cochlea. Compared with the control group, the presbycusis group had significant loss of strial area in the lower basal (6614 [1559] vs 8790 [1893] μm2; P = .002), upper basal (6387 [2211] vs 9105 [2700] μm2; P < .001), lower middle (5140 [1471] vs 7269 [2181] μm2; P = .003), upper middle, (5583 [1742] vs 7206 [2258] μm2; P = .02), and apical (4286 [1604] vs 6535 [2454] μm2; P < .001) turns of the cochlea; in the vessel area in the lower basal turn (74.65 [127.74] vs 124.92 [89.04] μm2; P = .01); and in the number of vessels in the lower basal (1.00 [0.78] vs 1.94 [0.93]; P = .008) and lower middle (1.00 [0.78] vs 1.94 [0.93]; P = .04) turns of the cochlea. The histopathologic findings of increased thickness of the vascular walls of the modiolar arteries and stria vascularis, increased strial atrophy, and decreased number of strial vessels may have led to decreased cochlear microcirculation. Deficiency in the circulation and perfusion of the cochlea may be a factor in presbycusis.

Risk Factors for Sensorineural Hearing Loss Among High-Risk Infants in Golestan Province, Iran in 2010 - 2011.

Background:Hearing impairment, as one of the most common birth defects, is a hidden disability with negative impacts on speech and cognitive development.Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and determine the associated risk factors among infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and neonatal wards of teaching hospitals, affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.Patients and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 791 infants were recruited via non-random sampling. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects were gathered, and the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) test was performed upon admission. Afterwards, the subjects were followed-up and re-assessed, using the AABR test. For infants with abnormal AABR results, the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test was performed on the day of discharge.Results:The mean age of the infants was 3.75 ± 4.86 days upon admission, and 56.4% of the subjects were female. The mean length of hospital stay was 9.63 ± 1.1 days; the subjects were hospitalized for 3.50 ± 10.21 days in the NICUs and 6.1 ± 5.27 days in the neonatal wards. In total, 3.4% of the infants presented with SNHL. No significant difference was found between SNHL and neonates’ age (P = 0.52), sex (P = 0.5), or sepsis (P = 0.94). However, SNHL was significantly associated with gestational age (P = 0.045), birth weight (P < 0.001), length of hospital stay (P < 0.001), pathological jaundice (P=0.033), antibiotic treatments (P = 0.007), and total serum bilirubin level (P = 0.01). Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated the association between SNHL and these factors.Conclusions:In this study, the prevalence of SNHL among hospitalized neonates was similar to previous reports in Iran and other countries. Based on the findings, administration of ototoxic drugs during the neonatal period can lead to SNHL. Therefore, it seems essential to regularly screen newborns under treatment and limit the indiscriminate use of ototoxic drugs.