Associations of hearing loss and structural changes in specific cortical regions: a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have suggested a correlation between hearing loss (HL) and cortical alterations, but the specific brain regions that may be affected are unknown. Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for 3 subtypes of HL phenotypes, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss, were selected as exposures, and GWAS data for brain structure-related traits were selected as outcomes. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the main estimation method. Results Negative associations were identified between genetically predicted SNHL and brain morphometric indicators (cortical surface area, cortical thickness, or volume of subcortical structures) in specific brain regions, including the bankssts (β = −0.006 mm, P = 0.016), entorhinal cortex (β = −4.856 mm2, P = 0.029), and hippocampus (β = −24.819 cm3, P = 0.045), as well as in brain regions functionally associated with visual perception, including the pericalcarine (β = −10.009 cm3, P = 0.013). Conclusion Adaptive changes and functional remodeling of brain structures occur in patients with genetically predicted HL. Brain regions functionally associated with auditory perception, visual perception, and memory function are the main brain regions vulnerable in HL.