Effect of Different Blood Groups on Auditory Brainstem Response Findings

Abstract

Background and Aim: The human blood group system can have an effect on the health and auditory system. The present study aimed to determine the differences in the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) recordings among persons with different blood groups (AB, A, B, O). Methods: Sixty adults aged between 18 and 25 years with normal hearing sensitivity took part in the study. Further, they were grouped into four groups based on their blood groups (A, B, AB, O). Each group consisted of 15 participants. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded for all the participants at different rates (11.1/s and 90.1/s). Results: The results of the study showed that the amplitude of ABR waves was significantly reduced for individuals with blood group O at lower repetition rate. The amplitude and latency of wave V was reduced at higher repetition rate among individuals with blood group O. There was no significant difference for all the other parameters  across the groups. Conclusion: The result of the study suggests the possibility of lesser auditory nerve functioning and increased risk of cochlear synaptopathy in persons with the O blood group. Keywords: Auditory brainstem response; outer hair cell; auditory nerve; cochlear synaptopathy