TLDR People with alopecia areata may be more likely to have a certain type of hearing loss.
In the 2013 study comparing 51 patients with Alopecia areata (AA) to 51 healthy controls, researchers found a significant occurrence of sensorineural hypoacusis, a type of hearing loss, in the AA group. Specifically, 28 AA patients (54.9%) had sensorineural hypoacusis, with 6 experiencing unilateral and 22 experiencing bilateral minimal hearing loss at high frequencies (4000-16000 Hz), while only 13 control subjects (25.4%) had hypoacusis. The study concluded that the autoimmune process targeting follicular melanocytes in AA might also affect melanocytes in the inner ear, indicating a potential link between sensorineural hearing loss and AA.
88 citations,
February 2010 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Vitiligo is linked to autoimmune diseases and hearing issues, so hearing tests are recommended for patients.
35 citations,
August 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Melanocytes might be targeted by the immune system in people with alopecia areata, but more research is needed.
185 citations,
August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.
275 citations,
November 2002 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia areata mainly affects young people and has significant psychological impacts, especially in males.
79 citations,
March 2017 in “Dermatologic clinics” Vitiligo affects overall health and self-esteem, needing more research and awareness.
88 citations,
February 2010 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Vitiligo is linked to autoimmune diseases and hearing issues, so hearing tests are recommended for patients.
100 citations,
July 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” People with alopecia areata often have other health issues like skin diseases, metabolic syndrome, stomach infections, lupus, anemia, thyroid problems, mental health issues, vitamin D deficiency, and hearing and eye problems.
January 2024 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Ritlecitinib is safe and well-tolerated for treating alopecia areata in patients aged 12 and older.
September 2023 in “Curēus” Alopecia areata may be linked to hearing problems, so patients should monitor their hearing.
