Mom asks if there is a link...what do you say?
There is an interesting association between amblyopia and an increased risk of hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). A propensity-matched analysis showed children with amblyopia have a 9% higher overall risk of experiencing hearing loss compared to their non-amblyopic peers. More specifically, the risk of SNHL was found to be 24% higher in amblyopic patients.
These findings also suggest an age-dependent relationship between amblyopia and hearing loss. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, it is thought underlying genetic factors may play a role in this connection. Interestingly, it was found refractive amblyopia is more strongly linked to SNHL than strabismic amblyopia.
For us, these results underscore the importance of our comprehensive approach to all patients - including those with hearing loss. The interconnectedness of visual and auditory systems directs us to consider this multidisciplinary management of amblyopia. Given vision and hearing are key for cognitive development, language acquisition, and social-emotional well-being in children, early detection and intervention is most important.
Perhaps we should now recommend more frequent audiologic screenings for our amblyopic patients. Our proactive approach may lead to earlier detection of potential hearing issues, allowing for more effective interventions and improved overall outcomes for these children.
-JRM
Go to the article in the Journal of Otolaryngology:
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