Hearing status in patients with vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disorder characterized by depigmented macules and patches that result from a progressive loss of functional melanocytes. During embryogenesis, precursor cells of melanocytes (melanoblasts) migrate not only to the epidermis and hair follicles but also to the leptomeninges, uveal tract of the eye, and inner ear. Thus, it has been proposed that these organs may be involved in vitiligo, as well. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of hearing loss by means of audiometry and distortion product otoaucostic emission (DPOAE) in patients with vitiligo. Methods: Fifty-three patients with vitiligo and 52 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this case–control study. After a complete otological examination, comprehensive audiological evaluations including pure tone audiometry (PTA) and DPOAE were performed for all participants and the results were compared between the two groups. Results: Neither PTA nor DPOAE showed significant difference between the two groups in any of the evaluated frequencies (0.75–8 KHz). Furthermore, in patient group, there was no association between PTA/DPOAE and age, gender, duration of the disease, presence of halo nevus, type of vitiligo, extent of involvement, and positive family history of vitiligo. Conclusion: Vitiligo patients have normal hearing status.