Abstract:
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of multiple organ systems. Among the various manifestations, there is growing recognition of the impact on auditory-vestibular symptoms such as hearing loss. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hearing loss among SLE patients in our region and to identify predictive factors associated with its development. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the rheumatology clinic in King Fahad Hospital of the University in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, enrolling patients diagnosed with SLE. Data including demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory, and medication were collected. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry assessments were performed to evaluate the hearing status. Data were analyzed using descriptive frequency, percentage distribution, and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 53 SLE patients were included in the study. The prevalence of hearing loss was 15%, of which 87.5% were sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age >36 (p= 0.020), the presence of diabetes mellitus (p= 0.039), cranial nerve disorder (p= 0.009), pyuria (p= 0.012), and the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) (p= 0.00717) were significantly associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in SLE patients. Conclusion: Hearing loss, especially SNHL, has been observed in SLE patients. Factors associated with increased risk are older age, diabetes mellitus, cranial nerve disorders, pyuria, and the use of HCQ. These findings emphasize the significance of regular audiological assessments to mitigate the risk of SLE-related hearing loss.
