6533b856fe1ef96bd12b2706

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Inner ear function in children with Fabry disease

A Keilmann

subject

Malemedicine.medical_specialtyAdolescentHearing lossAudiologyTinnitusBone conductionotorhinolaryngologic diseasesmedicineHumansChildmedicine.diagnostic_testbusiness.industryGeneral MedicineEnzyme replacement therapyTympanometrymedicine.diseaseFabry diseaseHearing disorderPediatrics Perinatology and Child HealthFabry DiseaseFemalemedicine.symptomAudiometrybusinessTinnitus

description

Aim: The prevalence of hearing loss in patients with Fabry disease is still uncertain. This paper examines hearing loss in a group of young patients with Fabry disease. Methods: A clinical ear nose and throat examination,pure-tone air and bone conduction audiometry, speech audiometry and middle ear testing (tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing) were carried out in four girls and two boys with Fabry disease (age, 7-17 years), receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Results: None of the patients complained of a hearing disorder or suffered from hearing loss. Three female patients reported tinnitus; however, this was not reported as being a problem. One boy reported tinnitus for the first time during 6 months of ERT. Conclusion: Based on this small sample of patients, it appears that the hearing disorders associated with Fabry disease develop mainly in adulthood. Tinnitus may be an earlier symptom than previously thought in Fabry disease.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2003.tb00218.x