A Comparative Study of Hearing Threshold in Women With and Without Iron Deficiency Anemia

Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia. Understanding the relationship between IDA and hearing loss may provide new insights into managing hearing loss. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IDA and hearing loss in women aged 12-45 years referred to Amir Al-Momenin and Al-Zahra hospitals in Rasht City, Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 315 women aged 12-45 years with IDA and without IDA were included. Study groups were matched by age. The amount of hemoglobin (based on the last blood test in the past month) of the subjects was measured and recorded. IDA was considered when the hemoglobin level was less than 12 mg/dL. Audiometry was performed for all participants. Results: In total, 169 individuals in the case group and 146 individuals in the control group participated in the study. The mean±SD hemoglobin level in the case and control groups were 10.9±1.36 and 12.67±1.47 mg/dL, respectively. There were higher hearing thresholds in low and high frequencies among the case group than the controls (P=0.002 and P=0.032, respectively). Logistic regression analysis after age adjusting showed odds of abnormal Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) in the frequencies of 750 Hz and 1000 Hz more than 2 times in women with IDA compared to controls (OR= 2.21, P= 0.006 and OR= 2.40, P= 0.020, respectively). Conclusion: The study results showed a significant negative relationship between IDA and mean hearing threshold. Because of the high prevalence of IDA in women, this group may be at greater risk of hearing loss.