Is familial adenomatous polyposis associated with sensorineural hearing loss?

The mutation causing familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) affects the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) gene, which has a role in the cytoskeleton and has been shown to be important in the structure of supporting cells in the cochlea. One previous study suggested that FAP sufferers may have sensorineural hearing loss. In order to demonstrate whether this is the case we invited patients known to suffer from familial adenomatous polyposis to take part in our study. Audiograms were performed and compared to normal values for that patient's age and gender calculated using ISO standard data. Thirteen patients were included in the study analysis. No conductive hearing losses were identified. A statistically significant greater hearing loss was identified at 500 Hz (2.8 dBHL, P = 0.03) and 1000 Hz (2.5 dBHL, P = 0.05). No audiometric difference could be identified between the patients with FAP and attenuated FAP. A power calculation demonstrated that the study was of adequate size. This study did not demonstrate a clinically significant difference in hearing loss between the FAP group and the calculated normal values.