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....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

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.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

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.

✦ Key Points ✦

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

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Patients with retinal vein occlusion have increased prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss compared to those without.

studypartially supported

Patients with retinal vein occlusion have increased prevalence of tinnitus compared to those without.

studypartially supported

Shared microvascular and cardiometabolic etiologies underlie both retinal vein occlusion and sensorineural hearing loss.

studyunclear

✦ Research metadata ✦

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

Primary outcomes

Prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss; Prevalence of tinnitus

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