ABSTRACT

In this study we aimed to examine the audiological findings in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

In conclusion, this is the first study in the literature showing the presence of hearing loss in AIH. However further studies with larger groups and including other assessment tools such as OAE are needed

Pure tone air conduction threshold averages for right ears in study and control group were 10.14 ± 4.70 and 6.73 ± 1.43 dB, respectively (p=0.022). Pure tone air conduction threshold averages for left ears in study and control group were 10.42 ± 4.84 and 6.66 ± 1.35 dB, respectively (p=0.018). There was significant decline at high frequencies (4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz) in AIH group compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Speech reception thresholds and speech discrimination percentages were also significantly decreased in AIH (p<0.05).

Nine patients with the diagnosis of AIH were included in the study. Eighteen healthy age and sex matching volunteers constituted the control group. All the subjects underwent audiologic evaluation with pure tone and speech audiometry.