Turner's syndrome and hearing disorders in women aged 16-34

Forty women with Turner's syndrome aged 16-34 years were tested clinically and audiometrically according to their ear problems and hearing. A high incidence of middle-ear infections was demonstrated. A mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss was frequently diagnosed and could be correlated to the karyotype. The dip showed a progression with age. Middle-ear problems were more common among women with a dip. An early high-frequency hearing loss could be noted in the present group among the older women. In some cases this had already led to social hearing problems and use of hearing aids. When comparing these women with a group of elderly Turner women the dip was not as deep, the maximum peak was seen in the 2 kHz region and social hearing problems and hearing aids were not as frequent. If no dip was found no major hearing problems could be detected or expected in future life. The data emphasize the importance of early audiological evaluation and information about predisposition to hearing impairment in Turner's syndrome.