Characteristics of audiogram configuration in multiple-system atrophy C and cortical cerebellar atrophy

Conclusion: The prevalence of low-tone hearing loss (LTHL) is significantly high in spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) with cerebellar predominance, including multiple-system atrophy C (MSA-C) and cortical cerebellar atrophy (CCA). Objective: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that SCD with cerebellar predominance, MSA-C and CCA may cause auditory symptoms. Methods: The shape and threshold of pure-tone audiograms were evaluated for MSA-C (n = 47; mean (+/- SD) age, 61.6 +/- 8.9 years), CCA (n = 16; 62.8 +/- 9.5 years), and age-matched controls (n = 169; 62.5 +/- 10.7 years). To differentiate specific hearing loss for MSA-C and CCA from presbycusis, the shape of audiograms was examined based on previously established audiological criteria. Results: When audiogram shape was defined according to audiological criteria, the odds ratio for LTHL in SCD compared to controls was 2.492 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.208-5.139; p < 0.05, Pearson's Chi-square test) in MSA-C and 2.194 (95% CI = 0.709-6.795) in CCA. When the selection of audiogram shape according to these criteria was verified by three certified audiologists, odds ratios for LTHL in MSA-C and CCA were 3.243 (95% CI = 1.320-7.969) and 3.692 (95% CI = 1.052-12.957), respectively, significantly higher than in controls.