Endogenous Serum Lithium Level and Auditory Function in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using hearWHO
摘要
Hearing loss is a global health concern, and early detection is crucial. Preclinical studies suggest lithium may have neuroprotective effects on hearing. However, clinical evidence on the relationship between endogenous lithium levels and hearing in humans is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum lithium concentrations and hearing ability in a cohort of healthy adults utilizing the hear WHO mobile application, a digital hearing screening tool. A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre. 148 adults (18–50 years) without prior hearing complaints and without history of lithium containing medications were recruited. Hearing was assessed using the hear WHO application, and serum lithium levels were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to evaluate the correlation between lithium levels and hearing scores, as well as differences in lithium levels across hearing score groups. The mean age of participants was 25.29 years, and the mean hear WHO score was 47.44. The mean serum lithium level was 0.250 mmol/L. No statistically significant correlation was found between serum lithium levels and hear WHO scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.100, p = 0.224). There was also no significant difference in lithium levels across hearing score groups. This study found no significant association between serum lithium levels and hearing ability as assessed by the hear WHO application in healthy adults. While preclinical evidence suggests a potential protective role of lithium, this clinical study did not find supporting evidence.