Otologic and audiologic evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

To quantify the incidence of ear disease in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is a descriptive case series of HIV-positive patients, with data collected using an otologic questionnaire, otologic examination, audiologic evaluation, and chart review. The study was performed at an urban University Hospital's outpatient Infectious Disease and Otolaryngology clinics. A consecutive sample of 50 HIV-infected patients volunteered for this study. Ten subjects refused. Almost all patients received public assistance for medical care. Descriptive results were tabulated. Audiometric data were analyzed for ear, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) group, otologic complaint, and age effects. Data were compared with established norms. Twenty-three men and 27 women with a mean age of 40 years and mean duration of HIV disease of 3.5 years were studied. Eighteen percent of patients were in category CDC-A, 38% in CDC-B, and 44% in CDC-C. Otologic complaints were more prevalent than expected: 34% of patients reported aural fullness, 32% dizziness, 29% hearing loss, 26% tinnitus, 23% otalgia, and 5% otorrhea. Results of the neuro-otologic examination were abnormal in 33%. Tympanometric examination was abnormal in 21%. A significant degree of high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss was observed. CDC-B and CDC-C patients had worse hearing than CDC-A patients at 3 frequencies. Patients who complained of hearing loss had significantly worse otoacoustic emission results and hearing results than patients who did not, at all frequencies except 1,000 Hz. Patients in their 30s had better hearing in the speech frequencies than did all other patients. Ear disease affects up to 33% of HIV-infected patients. Otitis media is a frequent finding. Sensorineural hearing loss is more severe in patients with more severe HIV infection. Patients with ear complaints have demonstrable otopathology. Continuation of this preliminary descriptive work is necessary.