FAQVitiligo and hearing loss: any connection?

FAQ

Vitiligo, primarily known for skin discoloration, can also affect melanocytes in the inner ear, potentially influencing hearing. Hearing loss isn't unique to vitiligo patients and impacts millions across age groups, ethnicities, and health conditions. As we age, high-frequency hearing naturally diminishes, which can make communication in noisy settings challenging.

The impact of vitiligo on hearing is debated, but recent research suggests a higher prevalence of hearing loss among vitiligo patients, specifically in high frequencies (2 kHz to 8 kHz). Despite this, it often goes unnoticed due to the predominance of lower-frequency sounds in daily life.

Hearing loss in vitiligo patients doesn't correlate with disease duration, subtype, or skin involvement extent, but it tends to be more severe in older patients and those with late-onset vitiligo. Hence, it's recommended that vitiligo patients undergo regular hearing evaluations and take precautions to prevent further hearing loss.

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