Auditory function and brainstem responses in allergic rhinitis: systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate differences in auditory thresholds and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) between individuals with and without allergic rhinitis (AR). Research strategies Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Open Access Theses and Dissertations on April 2, 2024. The study protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XUTSN). Selection criteria Observational studies comparing auditory outcomes between individuals with and without AR were included. Data analysis The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess bias. The primary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in auditory thresholds (250Hz to 8000Hz) measured by audiometry. Secondary outcomes included latencies of waves and interpeak intervals. The meta-analysis was conducted using the inverse variance method under a random effects model. Results Five studies with 432 participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed higher auditory thresholds in patients with AR at 4000Hz (MD = 7.83 dB; 95% CI: 2.46 to 13.19; p = 0.004) and 8000Hz (MD = 8.66 dB; 95% CI: 2.70 to 14.62; p = 0.004). No differences were observed for frequencies <4000Hz or in BERA outcomes. Conclusion This meta-analysis identified significantly higher auditory thresholds at 4000Hz and 8000Hz in individuals with AR, suggesting a potential peripheral auditory effect. No consistent differences were found in BERA parameters. These findings suggest that AR may impact high-frequency hearing without affecting neural conduction at the brainstem level.