review · BMC Research Notes
A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the link between iron deficiency anaemia and sensorineural hearing loss across four studies encompassing 344,080 adults and children. The analysis found that individuals with iron deficiency anaemia had 55 percent higher odds of experiencing sensorineural hearing loss compared to those without the condition. When analysed by age group, children showed a notably stronger association, with over three times higher odds of hearing loss, while adults showed a 36 percent increase in odds. The findings suggest that iron deficiency anaemia may be a contributing factor to hearing impairment. Further research is needed to determine whether treating anaemia reduces hearing loss risk, but cross-screening for hearing loss in individuals with anaemia, or checking for anaemia in those with hearing loss, could be an important clinical consideration.
Both anaemia and hearing loss are widespread conditions that affect quality of life. Identifying an association between iron deficiency and sensorineural hearing impairment suggests that nutritional and haematological health could be directly relevant to auditory care. Recognising this connection supports the case for integrated screening approaches, helping clinicians identify at-risk patients, especially children, earlier in the course of either condition.
This early-stage epidemiological evidence points towards potential applications in clinical screening protocols and diagnostic guidelines for healthcare providers. It does not present a standalone commercial product. Any translational use remains at a research and protocol-development distance, as further studies are needed to evaluate whether treating iron deficiency anaemia effectively reduces the risk of sensorineural hearing loss.
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Abstract Objective Evidence shows that anemic individuals are at a higher risk of hearing loss. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis study. Thus, we aimed to meta-analyze the existing evidence on the association of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception through October 30, 2017, for studies done on the association of the IDA with SNHL. Pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated by random effect meta-analysis method. Heterogeneity was assessed by I 2 metrics. Result Four studies, covering a total of 344,080 adults and children, were included. The odds of SNHL was higher by 55% in individuals with IDA, compared with individuals without IDA (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.17–2.06; P = 0.03). The age-specific ORs were 1.36 (95% CI 1.15–1.61; P = 0.27) and 3.67 (95% CI 1.72–7.84) for adults and children, respectively. IDA may be a contributing factor to hearing loss. Further studies are warranted, including whether IDA treatment reduces the risk of hearing loss. Meanwhile, hearing loss screening in anemic individuals, or vice versa, may represent an important consideration. PROSPERO registration CRD42017082108
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DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4323-z
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