Psoriasis in a systemic disease that effects many systems of the body. few studies examined the hearing function of these patients but the results were inconclusive. No study, however, investigated the vestibular function of psoriatic patients. In a prospective study, the investigators will compare audiovestibular function between psoriatic patients and healthy volunteers. .
Whether psoriatic patients have higher risk for developing inner ear dysfunction (hearing loss and dizziness) is an important issue that needs to be elucidated. Awareness to the elevated risk (if there is any) of inner ear impairment, early detection and treatment of the condition may reduce the morbidities resulting from undiagnosed audiovestibular impairment. In a prospective study the investigators will examine the inner ear function (vestibular and auditory) of psoriatic patients and compare it to an healthy, young control group. The study will include 2 groups of participants: psoriatic patients and healthy volunteers. psoriatic patients are recruited from the dermatology clinic while the healthy volunteers are members of the hospital staff. The participants will undergo 2 sets of examinations: 1. auditory function examination: hearing test (that includes pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and discrimination level), tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions. 2. vestibular function examination: * Video head impulse test: a ten-minute, non- invasive test that includes a computer and a set of goggles worn by the participant. The participants is sitting in front of a wall while wearing the goggles, the investigator moves the participant's head sideways with short, rapid movements. the computer calculates the accuracy and the velocity of the eyes movements. * The participants fills a dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. The participants from the psoriatic group are recruited from the dermatology clinic. The healthy group participants are members of the hospital staff and are recruited from the hospital.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
63
Hearing test- includes a pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and discrimination level. tympanometry- Includes inserting headphones into the participants ears and computer calculation the compliance of the eardrum. otoacoustic emission: Includes headphones insertion and calculation of the inner ear audiological function. Video head impulse test. \- Dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. questionnaire filled by the participants provides a subjective data regarding the severity of the dizziness.
Hemek Medical center
Afula, Israel
Hearing test
Determining the threshold of each measured tone in decibel units.
Time frame: up to 2 weeks after recruitment. estimation time of the outcome is 10 minutes.
Hearing test
Determining the speech threshold in decibel units.
Time frame: up to 2 weeks after recruitment. estimation time of the outcome is 10 minutes.
Tympanometry
Determining the type of tympanometry ( one out of the 3 possible options:A,B,C)
Time frame: up to 2 weeks after recruitment. estimation time of the outcome is 3 minutes.
Otoacoustic emission
Determining existence or abscence of physiologic otoacoustic emissions in 500, 1000, 2000 Herts.
Time frame: up to 2 weeks after recruitment. estimation time of the outcome is 3 minutes.
Video head impulse test
Measuring the velocity of eye movement compared to velocity of the head while the head is thrusted. The measured units are degrees/ seconds
Time frame: up to 2 weeks after recruitment. estimation time of the outcome is 10 minutes.
Dizziness handicap inventory
A questionnaire filled out by the participant, assesses subjectively the level of dizziness from which the patient suffers. Score varies between 0-100
Time frame: up to 2 weeks after recruitment. estimation time of the outcome is 5 minutes.
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