Chen Jiann-Jy, Hsu Chih-Wei, Chen Yen-Wen, Chen Tien-Yu, Zeng Bing-Syuan, Tseng Ping-Tao
Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung 811026, Taiwan.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824005, Taiwan.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Dec 11;25(24):13290. doi: 10.3390/ijms252413290.
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.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024-12-11
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005-1-25
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-12-19
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-4-19
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-1-9
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-8-3
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025-6-9
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-12-22
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-1-20
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-5-31
Int J Mol Sci. 2025-5-14
Diagnostics (Basel). 2024-11-11
Diagnostics (Basel). 2024-8-1
Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2023-8-28
Adv Biomed Res. 2023-3-28
Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022-12