Vitiligo is a condition that causes your skin to lose pigmentation, resulting in white or light patches. It usually arises first on your hands, feet, forearms and face but can spread to the rest of your body over time. While loss of pigmentation is the most common side effect of vitiligo, some researchers have found that the condition may also increase your risk for hearing loss.
How Can Vitiligo Cause Hearing Loss?
Vitiligo occurs when your immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigmentation in your skin and other body parts. These melanocytes are also present in the inner ear. Researchers suggest that melanin in the inner ear may help protect the cochlea by shielding the ear from the harmful effects of loud noise and binding to ototoxic drugs (drugs that harm the inner ear) to prevent damage.
When vitiligo causes the immune system to target these cells in the ear, hearing loss can result. Approximately 12% to 38% of individuals with vitiligo experience some degree of hearing loss, though it may be mild in many cases.
Can I Prevent Vitiligo?
While the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, researchers suggest it could result from genetic changes, autoimmune conditions, stress and environmental factors like ultraviolet radiation or toxic chemical exposure. Because the reason vitiligo arises isn’t always clear, you can’t prevent it completely. A few ways you can help reduce your risk include wearing sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet light, minimizing stress, seeking treatment for autoimmune conditions and moisturizing the skin daily.
What Are My Treatment Options?
In many cases, vitiligo is purely cosmetic and does not require treatment. However, if the condition has started to affect your hearing, medication may help. Medication can’t stop vitiligo altogether, but it may be able to slow the speed of it and help melanocytes regrow. Common medications include topical Janus kinase inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids.
When hearing damage is permanent, hearing aids can help minimize its effects. These small, advanced devices pick up sound and amplify speech to match your specific frequency and volume needs. While they can’t restore hearing, they improve communication, making it easier to engage with the world around you.
If you’ve noticed signs of hearing loss, like trouble understanding speech, contact Bangor Audiology today to schedule a hearing test with one of our specialists.