Effect of hypochromic microcytic anaemia on hearing in the adolescent age group in India, as assessed by Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA).

Abstract

Objectives: Anaemia mainly iron deficiency (hypochromic, microcytic) type is one of the major health problems in the developing countries like India. Because of the increased nutritional demand, anaemia is often prevalent in the adolescent age group which may further lead to various neurodeficits and functional impairment. But whether this type of anaemia in the said age group has any impact on the auditory impulse transmission has been inadequately explored, especially in India. Therefore, in the present study, attempt was made to verify whether hypochromic microcytic anaemia has any influence on functional integrity of auditory pathway as reflected by Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). Methods: We included 40 adolescent subjects (12-16 years of age) with hypochromic microcytic anaemia from both sexes and 40 age sex matched non anaemic control and BERA recording was done in them. Findings were compared between two groups by unpaired Students t-test. Correlation was checked by Pearsons co-efficient of correlation (r-value). P value 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: We found increased absolute latencies of wave I, III, V as well as increased inter-peak latencies of waves I III, III V and I-V in anaemic group. Hemoglobin concentration showed significant negative correlation with I-III inter-peak latency as well as absolute latency of wave I. Conclusion: Study concludes that hypochromic microcytic anaemia may have deleterious effect on impulse transmission in auditory pathway in the adolescent age group in India. Degree of affection may have direct association with severity of anaemia.