The Relationship Between Autoantibodies and Hearing in Euthyroid Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate hearing function in euthyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) cases and to inves-tigate the relationship between the result and thyroid autoantibody titers. Material and Methods: Pure tone audiometry (250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000 Hz), thyroid function tests, anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg) levels were compared in 39 euthyroid HT cases and 40 healthy controls. Results: Age, gender, body mass index, and thyroid hormone levels were similar between the groups. In pure tone audiometry, 2000 and 4000 Hz thresholds were higher in the HT group than in the control group in both the right and left ears. The pure tone average of 500-1000-2000-4000 Hz were found to be significantly higher in the HT group than in the control group for the right and left ears (p=0.014 and p=0.048, respectively). It was revealed that anti-TPO level was positively correlated with the presence of hearing loss (odds ratio: 2.2%, p=0.036). A positive correlation was found between anti-TPO level and 500-1000-2000-400 Hz pure tone audiometry in both right and left ears. Conclu-sion: Hearing is mildly affected at medium frequencies in HT patients and this effect is correlated with anti-TPO level. When evaluating HT patients in daily practice, it is appropriate to question symptoms related to hearing impairment and, if necessary, to perform further examinations. © 2022 Turkey Association of Society of Ear Nose Throat and Head Neck Surgery. Production and hosting by Türkiye Klinikleri.