Early hearing loss detection in gout using extended high frequency audiometry

Objective The study aimed to analyse the hearing levels of patients with gout using extended high frequencies (EHFs) audiometry. Thus, we aimed to reveal the early detectability of potential hearing losses. Design Comparative cross-sectional study. Settings A single centre patient was diagnosed with gout disease. Participants Two groups consisted of 32 patients with gout and 32 healthy volunteers. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was hearing thresholds in pure tone (PT) audiometry and EHFs audiometry. Also, the association between audiometric results and haematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mean hearing thresholds in PT audiometry. But, at all frequencies above 4000 Hz (4000-18 000 Hz), the hearing thresholds were significantly higher in patients with gout. Also, the hearing thresholds above 8000 Hz were positively correlated with serum uric acid levels. Hearing thresholds at higher frequencies were positively correlated with haemoglobin levels and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein levels. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature demonstrating the high frequency of hearing loss in patients with gout using EHFs audiometry. We consider that using EHFs audiometry should have an important place in the early detection of potential hearing losses in gout patients.