CLINICAL FINDINGS AND HEARING CHANGES IN PEOPLE WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Abstract

Introduction: Among the genetic variations encompassed by Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia stands out as the most severe form. In this pathology, the deformity of red blood cells leads to vaso-occlusive crises that can result in ischemia in the cochlear region, with consequent progressive deterioration of hearing. Objectives: To characterize the degree and type of Hearing Loss; To identify the main Hearing Complaints; To analyze the relationship between having Hearing Complaints and having Hearing Loss; To verify the association between clinical findings and Hearing Loss. Method: This is a cross-sectional, comparative, and analytical study formed by two groups: Case Group (G1) and Control Group (G2), composed of patients from the Hematology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Sergipe. A total of 212 participants were admitted to the study, 106 from each group. All responded to the Speech-Language Pathology Anamnesis and underwent Meatoscopy, Tonal and Vocal Audiometry, and G1 also responded to the Visual Analog Scale. Results: G1 presented a higher percentage of Hearing Loss compared to G2, with a predominance of mild bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss, in addition, G1 had a significantly higher Odds Ratio for having Hearing Loss compared to individuals without Sickle Cell Anemia; There was a correlation between having Hearing Complaints and the presence of Hearing Loss in G1. The Hearing Complaints mentioned were: difficulty understanding speech, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Most patients in G1 were treated with Hydroxyurea; The presence of Pneumonia, Stroke, and Systemic Arterial Hypertension was identified. Conclusion: Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia are more likely to have Hearing Loss. These individuals also presented a higher frequency of hearing complaints, mainly Difficulty understanding Speech. It was also found that the later the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia, the greater the possibility of hearing loss. It was shown that the presence of comorbidities and vaso-occlusive crises were not associated with the occurrence of hearing loss in the patients evaluated. In the end, no evidence was found to rule out the use of hydroxyurea as a protective factor for hearing in sickle cell patients.