The inner ear contains cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. This pigment is responsible for coloring the skin, hair, and eyes. In some cases of vitiligo, the immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes in the inner ear, causing hearing loss. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests that 12% to 38% of people with vitiligo have some degree of hearing loss.

Doctors may call this sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This is hearing loss that results from damage to the central nervous system or the structures of the inner ear, such as the cochlea and auditory nerve. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that contains the sensory organ for hearing. The auditory nerve carries nerve impulses from the cochlea to the brain.

A 2022 large-scale study compared rates of SNHL among 13,048 people with vitiligo and 52,192 individuals without the condition. The study suggests that those with vitiligo had more than twice the risk of developing SNHL compared to people without the condition.

The cause of this association is unclear, though it may relate to the destruction of melanocytes in the cochlea. Research in a 2021 study suggests melanocytes may play a role in inner ear function and offer some protective effects against environmental damage.

Vitiligo and other hearing problems

Because vitiligo can affect the parts of the ear that play a role in hearing and balance, researchers have also investigated how the condition may affect the audio-vestibular system.

For example, a 2021 study compared auditory and vestibular function in 63 people with vitiligo and 63 without the disorder.

Of those in the vitiligo group, 12 people (19%) had some degree of hearing loss, with most of these involving hearing impairments for high-frequency sounds.

In addition, 12 people (around 19%) in the vitiligo group had dizziness or vertigo. A small number of participants also reported ringing in the ears.

As the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) explains, there is currently no cure for vitiligo. However, medical treatments can help suppress the immune system, slowing the condition’s progression.

Doctors may prescribe an oral corticosteroid called prednisone to help suppress the immune system. This medication is systemic, meaning it works on all parts of the body, including the inner ear.

Doctors typically prescribe oral prednisone to treat vitiligo-induced SNHL. Some people may also require hearing aids.

Other vitiligo treatments

People with vitiligo may also seek treatment for skin depigmentation, which is the main symptom of this condition.

According to the AAD, vitiligo treatments may include the following:

Topical medications: Topical medications, including corticosteroids and JAK inhibitors, contain active ingredients that help restore color to depigmented areas of skin.
Light therapy: This exposes the skin to UV light that may help restore natural skin color. It is most effective for restoring pigment to the face and neck and typically requires multiple sessions.
Surgery: This may involve transplanting pigmented skin or skin cells from one part of the body onto another area. Doctors may reserve surgery for skin depigmentation that does not respond to other treatments.

Some people may also choose not to use the above treatments to restore pigmentation. If someone wishes, a dermatologist can suggest other methods to even out their skin tone, including makeup and self-tanning products.

Outlook for the two conditions

There is currently no cure for vitiligo. However, treatments can help suppress the immune system, slow the progress of the condition, and may also help people manage hearing loss.

Corticosteroid treatments for vitiligo can also help treat SNHL. People may also be able to manage or restore hearing with assistive devices, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

A person needs to speak with a doctor if they develop symptoms of vitiligo since treatment can help slow the condition’s progression. Potential symptoms include:

depigmented patches of skin
patches or streaks of white hair on areas of the face or body, such as the:
scalp
eyebrows
eyelashes
beard
other parts of the body with body hair
white patches on the mucous membranes, such as those inside the mouth or nose
inflammation or swelling of the eyes
inflammation in the ear

People with vitiligo also need to contact a doctor if they notice changes to their hearing, including hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. Treatment for SNHL can help slow the progression of this type of hearing loss and may improve a person’s outlook.

Article originally appeared on Medical News Today