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Relationship between hearing loss and sexual dysfunction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 December 2012

S Bakır*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
N Penbegül
Affiliation:
Department of Urology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
R Gün
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
E Yorgancilar
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
V Kiniş
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
M Özbay
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
M Atar
Affiliation:
Department of Urology, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
M Güneş
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University Medical College, Diyarbakır, Turkey
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Salih Bakır, Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical College, 21280, Diyarbakır, Turkey Fax: +90 412 248 8440, E-mail: drsalihbakir@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective:

Deafness may be one of the factors that leads to a change in sexual function. This study aimed to assess sexual function, in particular erectile dysfunction, in male patients with hearing loss.

Materials and methods:

We studied two groups: (1) adult men with acquired, bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss, and (2) healthy, adult, married men demonstrated to have normal hearing levels, as the control group. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Functions questionnaire, and quality of life using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the International Index of Erectile Functions questionnaire results (p <0.001), both for each of the five questionnaire domain scores and for the total score.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that men with mild or moderate sensorineural hearing loss have poorer sexual health.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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