Oximetry parameters in sleep apnea may be key prognostic indicators of central auditory dysfunction

Polysomnography oximetry parameters of oxygen desaturation index, mean SPO2, minimum SPO2 and per cent SPO2 < 90% were correlated with their respective P.T.A., D.P.O.A.E. and A.B.R. results.

The authors reported the following findings:

• There was no significant change in the P.T.A., D.P.O.A.E. and A.B.R. results in connection with AHI severity.
• Significant correlations were found between mean SPO2 and per cent SPO2 < 90% with A.B.R. wave I, III and V absolute latencies.
• Minimum SPO2 was also significantly correlated with wave III peak latency changes.

"Our findings further expound the conflicting associations of auditory dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea," the researchers wrote in their study. "Oximetry parameters, namely, per cent SPO2 < 90%, mean SPO2, and minimum SPO2 could be critical prognostic indicators of central auditory dysfunction as revealed in the study."

"These parameters should be further explored to gauge the degree of the severity of O.S.A. rather than AHI utilization alone," they wrote. "The hypoxic burden derived could be a better predictor of auditory function abnormalities rather than one derived from AHI."

Reference:

Lim, C.C., Ahmad, T.E.B.T.N., Sawali, H.B. et al. Evaluation of auditory system in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-022-07711-1