Auditory Function in Scleroderma: A Scoping Review

Author: Alessandra Antonacci

Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math

Faculty Mentors: Sundeep Venkatesan, Reethee Antony

Easel: 8

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis or SSc) is an auto-immune disease affects the arteries, micro-vessels, connective tissue in multiple organs including hearing and speech systems. It is often associated and co-occurs with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While the impact of scleroderma on voice is relatively well studied, the impact of scleroderma on hearing loss is less explored, hence the need for this study. This scoping review investigates the association between scleroderma and hearing loss. Comprehensive database searches were conducted, MeSH terms were used, and the inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies assessing auditory function in scleroderma. Data were compiled and analyzed to identify trends in prevalence, type, and severity of hearing loss. Preliminary findings suggest a potential link between systemic autoimmune processes and auditory dysfunction. These results are compiled and presented. The findings from this study have clinical applications in the areas of early identification and rehabilitation.