Assessing Auditory and Cochlear Function in Alopecia Areata Patients: Exploring the Link to Cochlear Melanocyte Damage

The study investigated the link between alopecia areata (AA) and auditory dysfunction by assessing cochlear function in 32 AA patients and 29 healthy controls using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and audiometry. Significant differences were found in OAE values at various frequencies, particularly lower in men and patients over 25 years old. The findings suggest an association between AA and hearing issues, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing auditory health in AA patients.