21 Apr Osteoporosis May Increase Risk of Hearing Loss

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Kai-Jen Tien MD
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine
Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Previous studies investigating the relationship between osteoporosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss were rare. Most of the studies were of small sample size, or cross-sectional designs and their results were inconclusive. Our population-based study found an approximately 1.76-fold increase in the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss for patients with osteoporosis compared with the comparison group.Patients with more severe osteoporosis may have a higher risk of SSNHL than patients with osteoporosis of milder severity.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: The prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing around the world, and it increases the risk of bone fracture, systemic disease, medical expenses, and mortality. Our study also shows the relationship between osteoporosis and the risk of sensorineural hearing loss. Osteoporotic patient should be aware to have an early intervention if they suffer from suspected hearing impairment.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Our study can not answer if early detection and treat osteoporotic patients with antiosteoporotic therapy can reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Further prospective and intervention study containing detail information should be done to resolve the question.

Citation:

Increased Risk of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients With Osteoporosis: A Population-based, Propensity Score-matched, Longitudinal Follow-up Study.
Yeh MC¹, Weng SF, Shen YC, Chou CW, Yang CY, Wang JJ, Tien KJ.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Apr 16:jc20144316. [Epub ahead of print]

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MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Kai-Jen Tien MD (2015). Osteoporosis May Increase Risk of Hearing Loss 

Last Updated on April 21, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD