INNER EAR FUNCTIONS IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN WITH ENDOCRINE DISORDERS

Abstract

Background: Globally, a sizable fraction of child mortality and morbidity are associated with metabolic and endocrine problems. Diabetes mellitus, growth hormone insufficiency, childhood obesity, premature puberty, and other conditions are among the comorbidities and illnesses that influence many bodily organs, including inner ear functioning.

Aim: The current clinical trial's objectives were to evaluate children with endocrine problems, such as growth hormone insufficiency, premature puberty, type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and idiopathic short stature, for abnormalities related to hearing, particularly high-frequency hearing and accompanying tinnitus and vertigo.

Methods: A comprehensive otolaryngologic examination was conducted on 120 subjects with growth hormone deficiency, precocious puberty, type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and/or idiopathic short stature, and 32 healthy children. Tympanometry, otoscopic ear examination, vertigo, and tinnitus were also assessed.

Results: 2.5% (n=3) of the patients saw PTA>20dB, 5% (n=6) saw HFÃ20dB, and 5% (n=6) saw both PTA and HFÃ20dB (p= 1.000, 0.465, and 1.000). 8.82% (n=9) had dizziness, while 18.6% (n=19) reported tinnitus. In study participants with ISS, vertigo and tinnitus were present in 22.7% (p=0.04) of cases. Vertigo with PTA and HFA value >20dB was observed in 3.06% (n=3) people in the entire study group, 5.88% (n=2) respondents with Type    1    DM,     4%     (n=1)     subjects    with    obesity,     and     3.84%     (n=1)    subjects     with    GHD. The study suggests that changes in the inner ear with an unclear aetiology can result from endocrine illnesses that first appear in childhood.

Conclusion: To identify and address any related abnormalities at an early stage, the research recommends that all children entering endocrinology clinics get a comprehensive hearing test as well as a balancing assessment.