Evaluation of the efferent auditory system and quality of life in epilepsy patients

This study aims to evaluate the efferent auditory system functions and quality of life in adult epilepsy patiensts. In the study, right ear otoacoustic emission (OAE) and suppression measurements of epilepsy patients were evaluated; the relationship between these auditory parameters and duration of disease, seizure frequency and antiepileptic drugs used was statistically analyzed. In addition, the participants' quality of life was measured with the QOLIE-31 (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31) scale and correlations with auditory findings were examined. According to the research findings, the long-term presence of epilepsy and the use of antiepileptic drugs lead to a weakening of the efferent pathways of the auditory system and have effects on patients' emotional and cognitive states. İn pariculary, significant negative correlations were found between OAE values at 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz frequencies and the subdomains of cognitive function, energy/fatigue, and overall quality of life. These findings suggest that the epilepsy process affects not only the central nervous system but also the auditory pathways, and may have an impact on the individual's quality of life. The study reveals that auditory evaluations should be included in routine clinical monitoring in epilepsy patients and that the effects of auditory disorders on quality of life should not be ignored. It is also emphasized that auditory rehabilitation and psychosocial support elements should be evaluated in epilepsy management with a multidisciplinary approach. Keywords: Epilepsy, efferent auditory system, medial olivocochlear reflex, suppression, emission, QOLIE-31