Relationship between rheumatism and hearing loss

Several rheumatic diseases are linked to hearing loss. Now researchers are trying to figure out who is most at risk – and why.

Caption: Rheumatic disease may increase the risk of hearing loss. Alexander Mathiessen is leading the project that will research this.

Several rheumatic diseases appear to increase the risk of hearing loss. The risk can be as much as three to four times higher than in others. Researchers at the REMEDY Center at Diakonhjemmet Hospital and a number of collaborators will now investigate this connection.

What to examine

The new project is led by Alexander Mathiessen. The goal is to see whether rheumatic diseases can affect hearing. The researchers will also investigate whether common anti-inflammatory drugs can have an effect.

“We want to understand whether rheumatic diseases, in themselves, can affect hearing. At the same time, we want to find out whether the medications the patients take might be protective,” explains Mathiessen.

Why hearing is important

He explains that rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis and lupus, affect 5–7 percent of the population. The diseases occur when the immune system attacks its own tissues. This can affect joints, skin, lungs and blood vessels, among other things.

– Many patients with such diseases report hearing problems, but there has been little research on this in Norway, he says.

Hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems can affect work ability, mental health and quality of life. Early detection and follow-up can make it easier to stay at work and avoid isolation.

Significance for health services

The goal is to find out who is most at risk. The researchers will also see if common anti-inflammatory medications are safe for hearing. They will also find out if patients with rheumatic disease should have regular hearing tests.

– This will provide useful knowledge to both patients and therapists, says Mathiessen.

Method

The project uses data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT). Hearing is measured using audiometry, which is considered the best method for hearing testing. Almost 13,000 people have had their hearing measured twice, approximately 20 years apart. In total, there are over 78,000 hearing measurements from HUNT2 and HUNT4.

“The material is one of the few in the world that has both such a long follow-up and so many good, objective measurements of hearing. When we link this with rheumatic diseases, we get completely new opportunities to investigate connections,” says Mathiessen.

Research collaboration

The project is being carried out in collaboration with researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) , the Norwegian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (STAMI) , the Norwegian Hearing Association and the Norwegian Rheumatology Association . Two user contributors have been involved from the start and contribute important experiences and perspectives.

– What also makes the project special is the interdisciplinary team. We bring together clinicians and researchers in audiology, rheumatology, epidemiology and internal medicine. It is unique, exciting and a lot of fun to collaborate across these disciplines, says Mathiessen.

The study is funded by the Dam Foundation.

As part of the project, a PhD position related to rheumatological diseases and hearing will soon be announced. 

Facts: Rheumatic diseases and hearing

What do previous findings show?

• Several rheumatic diseases can increase the risk of hearing loss.
• In some groups, the risk is three to four times higher than in others.

What will the researchers find out?

• Whether rheumatic diseases themselves affect hearing.
• Whether common anti-inflammatory medications are safe for hearing.
• Who is most at risk.
• Whether patients with rheumatic disease should receive regular hearing tests.

How is it researched?

• The project uses hearing tests from HUNT (Health Survey in Nord-Trøndelag).
• Hearing is measured with audiometry, which is the gold standard.
• Almost 13,000 people have measurements taken at intervals of around 20 years.
• In total, there are over 78,000 hearing measurements from HUNT2 and HUNT4.

Who is behind it?

• The REMEDY Center at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
• The Norwegian Hearing Association, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), STAMI and the Norwegian Rheumatology Association.
• Two user collaborators are participating in the project.
• The study is funded by the Dam Foundation.

Why is this important?

• Hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems can affect work ability, mental health and quality of life.
• Early detection can improve follow-up and prevent isolation.

News from the project

• A PhD position on the topic of rheumatological diseases and hearing will soon be announced.