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.