Vitiligo, a skin condition that causes the skin to lose pigmentation, affects about 1% of the global population. You can recognize vitiligo by the presence of white or lighter patches on the skin. In addition to the visual symptom of vitiligo, some research suggests that it could increase your risk of hearing loss.
The Research
An estimated 12% to 38% of people with vitiligo have some degree of hearing loss. Vitiligo develops when the immune system attacks pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes also exist in the inner ear. Researchers assert that the melanin in the inner ear protects the cochlea from damage caused by ototoxic drugs and loud noise exposure. The cochlea is an integral part of the hearing system; if it loses some of that protection, hearing loss can arise.
Can I Prevent or Treat Vitiligo?
Because vitiligo stems from a faulty immune system response, there’s no 100% effective way to stop your body from developing it. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the number of risk factors you have for the condition:
- Watch out for UV rays. Wear sunscreen, cover up your skin and seek shade as much as possible the next time you go to the Memorial Swimming Pool.
- Seek help for autoimmune conditions. Other autoimmune conditions may increase your risk of vitiligo. Consistent care with your general practitioner will help keep autoimmune diseases from running rampant.
- Lower your stress. A stressful life can exacerbate autoimmune responses. Do your best to kick stress to the curb.
Vitiligo doesn’t always require treatment. For many people, it’s just a cosmetic issue. However, if you’re concerned about the higher risk of hearing loss, you can take medications like corticosteroids, topical Janus kinase inhibitors and calcineurin inhibitors to slow the development of vitiligo. There’s no guarantee that the medications will lower your risk of hearing loss, but they can slow the underlying vitiligo.
In addition to preventative and treatment measures, you should limit your
as much as possible and schedule regular hearing tests. If you develop hearing loss, our specialists can help. Contact Hearing Systems to make an appointment.