Thursday, May 10, 2012

Fabry Disease May Affect Hearing Health

Fabry Disease, a rare inherited condition whose side effects may include: full body or localized pain to the extremities, kidney complications, high blood pressure, and fatigue, among others.  The treatment of this condition is done by enzyme replacement therapy. A study has found the effects of this treatment may lead to hearing health problems.

The study was conducted with 20 patients, 11 males and 9 females, between the ages of 15 and 69 years old. According to the National Center for Biotechnology  (NCBI), “Nine patients complained of hearing symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus); for six of them the onset and/or progression of the hearing loss were sudden.” The study goes on to suggest how replacement therapy may cause hearing damage, and result in loss of hearing for patients.

It is commended for individuals undergoing enzyme replacement therapy, to visit their local audiologist and have their hearing tested. The proper diagnosis can help patients receive the right treatment that will help in improvement their hearing as well as their quality of life.

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