Coexisting of hearing loss and chronic myeloid leukemia: A systematic literature review

Objective: This systematic literature review aimed to study the
relationship between CML and hearing loss. Database review: Chronic
myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy associated with high
levels of white blood cells (WBCs). Changes in otolaryngology are observed
in CML. Methodology: This systematic literature review of the literature
was conducted by searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, WPRIM, LILAC Sand
SciELO databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 that met
inclusion criteria were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)
Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate the quality of studies.
Results: Of the 142 identified articles, 13 were included for final
evaluation with a total sample size of 75 cases diagnosed with CML with
hearing defect. CML patients with WBCs above 250 x 109/L were at higher
risk of ototoxicity. Males accounted for 85% of cases; with a mean age of
38.9 years. Hearing loss as the first manifestation of CML was among 61.5%
of cases, it was bilateral in 83.3% of cases, and in 90% of cases were
irreversible defect. Conclusion: Acute sudden hearing loss has been
associated with high levels of WBC in patients with CML. Neither
aggressive leukoreduction nor leukapheresis has positive effect on the
reversibility of the hearing loss.