The efficacy of statins as otoprotective agents: A systematic review

Objective: This systematic review examined the current literature, summarized research findings and identified research gaps regarding the efficacy of statins on audiological outcomes. Methods: Systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature was performed. Eligibility criteria was the study of a statin drug with report of audiological outcomes such as hearing, tinnitus, or balance in either human or animal studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independently researchers. The characteristics of the study and research findings were collated and summarized. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of the included studies.Results: Analysis of searches yielded 17 studies meeting the criteria. Included studies had variable drug type and dosage, outcome measures, and associated inner ear conditions. Most animal experiments showed promising audiological outcomes after statin treatment, demonstrated by the results of auditory brain stem response, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and inner ear histology. However, no clear effect can be discerned in human trials due to the mixed results, and heterogeneity in research methodology and quality. Audiological outcomes were not always correlated with cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Statins remain a potential candidate as otoprotective agents which warrant further investigation

Terapia Protesica

The hearing problems can make life difficult. The treatment of presbycusis is very often the use of hearing aids. The hearing loss is for the person a deficit and a handicap. The handicap can be changed by a suitable prosthesis. It is possible imagine, therefore, the importance of the prosthesis in the elderly. The prosthetic treatment facilitates communication and prevents sensory deprivation. h earing aids may, therefore, be defined as "devices anti-aging". Users of hearing aids have less anxi - ety and depression after the use of the same. In the prosthetic, the rehabilitation is a key moment in which must be carefully handled the the patient’s communication and psychological aspect. The problems of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation require the coordinated action of different skills. The problems of the patient with hearing loss does not only concern the auditory conditions, but also cognitive deficits, mood, socio cultural condition and motivation. h earing loss is the most common sensory deficit in the elderly, and it is becoming a social problem and a serious and growing health affects the quality of life. The hearing aid is a therapeutic intervention itself, which sits alongside the pharmacological and surgical solutions

Pharmacological drugs inducing ototoxicity, vestibular symptoms and tinnitus: a reasoned and updated guide

The present work on drug-induced ototoxicity, tinnitus and vertigo represents the update and revision of a previous guide to adverse drug reactions for italian physicians (2005). The panorama of drug-induced side effects causing ototoxicity or symptoms such as tinnitus or dizziness and vertigo has enlarged in recent years, thanks to a better knowledge and a more specific attention of pharmaceutical firms and drug-control institutions. In daily clinical practice, there is a need for the family physician and the ENT specialist or audiologist (also in consideration of the possible medico-legal implications) to focus the attention on the possible risk of otological side effects. This would allow a clinical risk-benefit evaluation, weighing the possible clinical advantage in their field of competence against possible otological side-effects. The list of active ingredients and drugs is subdivided in categories based on their audiological and otoneurological side-effects, that have been signaled by the drug companies and/or ministerial notes. Drugs have also been subcategorized with regards to the field in which they are applied, the therapeutic indications and the clinical behaviour. They have also been organized in alphabetical order, for an easier consultation. The guide above, even if initially conceived for being used in Italy, also presents a more general and international interest, expecially as for as the concepts of pharmacology and the features of the active ingredients are concerned. The guide is, therefore, useful as for as we are concerned to any physician, regardless of the country he/she operates in