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Chen JJ, Hsu CW, Chen YW, Chen TY, Zeng BS, Tseng PT. Audiological Features in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:13290. [PMID: 39769062 PMCID: PMC11676466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252413290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2024] [Revised: 12/06/2024] [Accepted: 12/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Hearing impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been underestimated for decades. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect both the middle ear (specifically, the incudomalleolar and incudostapedial joints) and inner ear (including the cochlea and acoustic nerve) simultaneously. Despite ongoing research, consensus on effective treatments for hearing impairment in these patients remains elusive. This systematic review aims to consolidate clinically relevant information for healthcare providers by summarizing current evidence on hearing impairment in rheumatoid arthritis patients. We conducted the current systematic review by searching platforms of PubMed, Embase, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect to retrieve eligible articles regarding hearing impairment related to rheumatoid arthritis. We extract any data on characteristics, pathophysiology, examination, and treatment related to rheumatoid arthritis. Based on the currently available evidence, we advocate for the use of specific audiometric tests to facilitate early detection of hearing impairment in these patients. Regular audiological assessments are recommended to monitor hearing ability and potentially prevent further deterioration. Finally, we propose a modified treatment protocol that integrates steroids, hydroxychloroquine, and non-invasive brain stimulation as a novel therapeutic approach for managing these symptoms. This protocol aims to offer clinicians new strategies to address hearing impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiann-Jy Chen
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung 811026, Taiwan; (J.-J.C.); (Y.-W.C.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824005, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833401, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Wen Chen
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung 811026, Taiwan; (J.-J.C.); (Y.-W.C.)
| | - Tien-Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114202, Taiwan;
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Syuan Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824005, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung 811026, Taiwan; (J.-J.C.); (Y.-W.C.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung413305, Taiwan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
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