Cochlear involvement in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

AbstractObjective:To investigate whether cochlear involvement is an extraintestinal manifestation in patients with ulcerative colitis.Method:Forty-four ulcerative colitis patients and 44 age-matched healthy subjects were included in the study. Pure tone and speech audiometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests were performed on all participants. The audiometric test results were compared between groups and their relationship with disease activity was investigated.Results:Pure tone threshold averages were significantly higher in ulcerative colitis patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Speech discrimination scores were significantly lower in ulcerative colitis patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude values were significantly lower for all of the tested frequencies (except for 6000 Hz in the right ear) in ulcerative colitis patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). No relationship was detected between audiometric test results and disease activity (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Even though hearing thresholds may be within normal limits, decreased distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude values indicate a cochlear involvement in ulcerative colitis patients.