Evaluation of hearing loss in HIV infected patients in a tertiary care centre

Background: Hearing loss manifestations are common among HIV/AIDS patients. Understanding the effects and treatment of HIV/AIDS on the auditory system has become crucial for improving the quality of life of the patients.Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and to determine the risk factors for hearing loss in HIV positive patients.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India for a period of 2 years from October 2019 to September 2021. 91 HIV positive patients were enrolled for the study. Prevalence of hearing loss and association of various risk factors for hearing loss were studied.Results: The prevalence of hearing loss was 34.06%. The age ranged from 16 to 62 years, with mean age of 39.00±9.82 years. The study showed a pre-ponderance to male with M:F of 1.4:1. The median duration of treatment was 4 years with a minimum of one year and a maximum of nine years. Majority had CD4 count > 200 (89% patients), followed by 50 to 200 in 8.8% of the patients. With every unit increase in age the hearing loss increases and was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.04). But in adjusted analysis, it was not significant. With every unit increase in the duration of treatment for HIV, the hearing loss increases and was found to be statistically significant (p= 0.001). Even after adjusted analysis, it was found to be significant (p =0.006). Also, CD4 count < 200 is significantly associated with hearing loss than those with CD4 count ≥200 (p=0.03). But in adjusted analysis, it was not significant. Gender of the patients was not significant with the prevalence of hearing loss in unadjusted and adjusted analysis.Conclusion: HIV patients with hearing loss manifestations should be recognized early and managed promptly to prevent disease morbidity and mortality, and to assure the patients a better quality of life