Increased prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in patients with retinal vein occlusion

Emerging evidence suggests that sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus may share similar microvascular and cardiometabolic etiologies, yet the potential association between retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and audiovestibular disorders has not been fully elucidated....

Audiologists and ENTs should be aware of the association between retinal vein occlusion and sensorineural hearing loss/tinnitus; consider screening referrals in patients presenting with both ocular vascular history and unexplained hearing complaints, pending further confirmatory research.

Establishing a link between retinal vascular disease and auditory pathology supports a shared microvascular disease model, which could prompt interdisciplinary screening protocols and earlier audiological intervention in vascular risk populations.

1. 01Patients with retinal vein occlusion showed higher rates of sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
2. 02Shared microvascular and cardiometabolic risk factors are proposed as the common mechanism.
3. 03Supports the concept that hearing loss may be a systemic vascular disease marker.
4. 04Published in Scientific Reports; observational study design.
5. 05Suggests potential value of audiological screening in patients with retinal vascular disease.

PMID

42115364

DOI

10.1038/s41598-026-52784-1.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

3

Population

Patients diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion compared to controls without this condition

Intervention

Presence of retinal vein occlusion (exposure)

Comparator

Patients without retinal vein occlusion