Repository logo
 

Auditory dysfunction in type 2 Stickler Syndrome

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Stancel-Lewis, Jack  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7826-2022
Fincham, Gregory Scott  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0369-7195
Poulson, Arabella 

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To present the extent and site of lesion of auditory dysfunction in a large cohort of individuals with type 2 Stickler Syndrome. Type 2 Stickler Syndrome results from a mutation in the gene coding for α-1 type XI pro-collagen, which has been identified in the human vitreous, cartilage and the cochlea of the mouse. The condition is characterised by classic ocular abnormalities, auditory dysfunction, osteoarthropathy and oro-facial dysplasia. Methods: This is a population study which used a combination of audiometric, tympanometric, and self-report measures on a series of 65 individuals (mean age 29.2 years, range 3–70, female 63.1%) with genetically confirmed type 2 Stickler Syndrome. Results: Hearing impairment was identified in at least one ear for 69% of individuals. Analysis against age-matched normative data showed that reduced hearing sensitivity was present across all test frequencies. Sensorineural hearing loss was most common (77% of ears), with conductive (3%), mixed (7%) and no hearing loss (13%), respectively. The proportion of hypermobile tympanic membranes (24%) was less than previously documented in type 1 Stickler Syndrome. When present, this appears to arise as a direct result of collagen abnormalities in the middle ear. Self-report measures of speech and spatial hearing in sound were comparable to a non-syndromic cohort with similar audiometric thresholds. Conclusions: Auditory impairment in type 2 Stickler Syndrome is predominantly associated with cochlear hearing loss of varying severities across affected individuals. The impact on hearing thresholds can be seen across the frequency range, suggesting a contribution of defective collagen throughout the cochlea. Self-report questionnaires showed that difficulties understanding speech, and spatial information in sound (such as that used for localisation), were worse than a young, normal-hearing population but comparable to a non-syndromic cohort with similar audiometric thresholds. Therefore, it is likely that hearing loss in type 2 Stickler Syndrome arises in the auditory periphery, without significant central processing deficits.

Description

Funder: University of Nottingham

Keywords

Otology, Stickler Syndrome, Type 2, Conductive, Sensorineural, Hearing loss, Retinal detachment, COL11A1, COL2A1

Journal Title

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0937-4477
1434-4726

Volume Title

278

Publisher

Springer Berlin Heidelberg