Pathology of metabolism and hearing loss

This article summarizes some of the significant knowledge of interactions between metabolism pathology and hearing, in particular, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Knowledge on interactions between metabolism pathology and auditory function is progressing and much of this progress comes from animal model and preclinical studies, as well as clinical research in humans. Since these pathologies are frequently found together, it is important to investigate them individually. The authors made an effort to deepen the topics separately, giving a vision that included epidemiology studies, physiopathological hypotheses, supported, when possible, by anatomopathological observations. In this review, we highlight potential methods and research directions, with the goal of advancing our understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ear disturbance influenced by pathology of metabolism.