Assessment of Hearing in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the type and extent of hearing loss among AR patients and assess the association between allergic markers and audiological findings. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed clinically with allergic rhinitis. Detailed ENT examinations including otoscopy and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) were performed. Laboratory investigations included serum IgE, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), and relative eosinophil percentage. Data were statistically analyzed using chi-square and t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Among 100 patients, 60% were male and 40% female, with a mean age of 28.3 ± 9.2 years. Conductive hearing loss was observed in 54 patients (54%), sensorineural hearing loss in 12 patients (12%), and mixed hearing loss in 6 patients (6%), while 28% had normal hearing. PTA revealed significantly elevated thresholds at low frequencies (250–500 Hz) in patients with middle ear effusion (p = 0.001). Otoscopic findings showed retracted tympanic membranes and dullness in 42% of patients. Serum IgE levels were elevated (>100 IU/mL) in 78% of patients, with a statistically significant correlation between high IgE levels and presence of hearing loss (p = 0.002). Similarly, patients with AEC > 500 cells/mm³ were more likely to have abnormal audiometric findings (p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study establishes a clear link between allergic rhinitis and hearing impairment, predominantly conductive in nature due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. A significant correlation was noted between elevated IgE and eosinophil counts and auditory deficits. Routine audiological assessment should be an integral part of AR management to enable early intervention and prevent long-term hearing complications.