Hearing Problems in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Jiann-Jy, Hsu Chih-Wei, Chen Yen-Wen, Chen Tien-Yu, Zeng Bing-Syuan, Tseng Ping-Tao
Primary Institution: Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Hypothesis
Can rheumatoid arthritis lead to hearing impairment?
Conclusion
Hearing impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is common and often goes unrecognized, but early detection and specific audiometric tests can help manage the condition.
Supporting Evidence
- Hearing impairment in rheumatoid arthritis patients has been underestimated for decades.
- Regular audiological assessments are recommended to monitor hearing ability.
- A modified treatment protocol integrating steroids and hydroxychloroquine is proposed for managing hearing impairment.
Takeaway
People with rheumatoid arthritis might have trouble hearing, and doctors should check their hearing regularly to help catch any problems early.
Methodology
This systematic review analyzed existing literature on hearing impairment in rheumatoid arthritis patients by searching multiple databases and extracting relevant data.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the variability in study designs and the subjective nature of hearing assessments.
Limitations
The review highlights a lack of consensus on effective treatments and the need for more specific examination tools for detecting hearing impairment.
Participant Demographics
The review includes studies involving patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but specific demographic details are not provided.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval: 0.39% to 0.54%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website