Detection of hearing impairment and handicap in Paget's disease of bone using a simple scoring system: a case control study.

Paget's disease of bone is known to be associated with hearing loss but there are limited data on the prevalence of hearing impairment and handicap in people with Paget's disease. Previous published population studies have used patient-completed questionnaires or review of GP records, none have included audiometry. 80 Paget's subjects were selected at random from a hospital database, 75 (94%) entered the study and were matched by age and gender with 76 controls. All participants completed a screening questionnaire for hearing handicap, the HHIE-S; a questionnaire on perception of hearing-related handicap, noise exposure, hearing aids and GP consultations regarding hearing; and audiometry. The results show significant problems from hearing loss in people with Paget's disease of bone. Paget's patients were significantly more likely to perceive hearing handicap (P=0.0001), 41% Paget's patients rated themselves moderate-severe compared to none of the controls. Paget's patients were significantly more likely to report difficulties such as hearing normal speech, watching TV or hearing over background noise (all P=0.0001). They were more likely to consult their GP due to hearing problems (P=0.004) or tinnitus (P=0.0001), or use a hearing aid (P=0.0001). Audiometry confirmed higher rates of deafness in Paget's patients. 41/75 Paget's patients compared to 19/76 controls had at least 40 decibels hearing loss (dBHL) (P=0.0001). The HHIE-S proved to be an effective screening tool. A score of greater than 8 increased the odds ratio of detecting moderate hearing impairment (>40 dBHL) in people with Paget's disease by 5.1. The specificity of HHIE-S >8 as a screening tool to select for audiometry appears good, 1/46 (2%) of Paget's patients would have proved to have normal hearing thresholds. The sensitivity is better with worse hearing loss, 7/16 Paget's patients with moderate loss (>40 dBHL) and 2/25 with severe-profound loss (>60 dBHL) would have been missed. In conclusion, 55% unselected Paget's patients have at least moderate levels of hearing loss, compared to 25% of age and gender matched controls. Paget's patients and controls under-reported hearing problems, many of which can be ameliorated. Screening for hearing problems in Paget's disease of bone can be done using the HHIE-S.