European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Metabolic and endocrine disorders are related to a significant proportion of
mortality and morbidity seen in the child population globally. The disorders and associated
comorbidities affecting various body organs including inner ear functions include diabetes
mellitus, growth hormone deficiency, childhood obesity, precocious puberty, etc.
Aims: The present clinical trial was carried out to assess high-frequency hearing,
associated tinnitus and vertigo in children with endocrine disorders including growth
hormone deficiency, precocious puberty, type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity and idiopathic
short stature.
Materials and Methods: 120 subjects having a growth hormone deficiency, precocious
puberty, type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity and/or idiopathic short stature, and 32 healthy
children were evaluated with a complete otolaryngologic examination followed by
otoscopic ear examination, tympanometry, vertigo, and tinnitus. The collected data were
subjected to statistical evaluation and results were formulated.
Results: PTA˃20dB was seen in 2.5% (n=3) subjects, HFA ˃20dB was seen in 5% (n=6),
PTA and HFA ˃20dB in 5% (n=6) subjects (p= 1.000, 0.465, and 1.000). 18.6% (n=19) had
tinnitus, and 8.82% (n=9) had vertigo. Presence of vertigo and tinnitus in study subjects
with ISS seen in 22.7% (p=0.04). Vertigo with PTA and HFA value ˃20dB was seen in
3.84% (n=1) subject with GHD, 5.88% (n=2) with Type1 DM, 4% (n=1) with obesity, and
3.06% (n=3) subjects in whole experimental group.
Conclusion: Within its limitations, the present study concludes that endocrine diseases
manifested in childhood can lead to alterations in the inner ear with poorly understood
aetiology. However, the study suggests a balance examination and thorough hearing
examination be done in all children visiting endocrinology clinics to detect and treat any
associated abnormality at an early stage.