Hearing disorders in lupus patients: correlation with duration and severity of the disease

Abstract Background Hearing loss can greatly affect the overall quality of life. Several studies have reported that patients with SLE may suffer from audio-vestibular manifestations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on hearing and association of hearing impairment with severity and duration of SLE. Results Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) (air conduction and bone conduction) thresholds showed significant elevation in SLE group than controls (P ≤ 0.05). It was observed also that there is a significant association between SLE severity and duration with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and its degree. Conclusion SLE can lead to hearing loss, and there is a positive association of SLE severity and duration with degree of hearing loss.