The Inner Ear Function in Psoriatic Patients

Whether psoriatic patients have higher risk for developing inner ear dysfunction (hearing loss and dizziness) is an important issue that needs to be elucidated. Awareness to the elevated risk (if there is any) of inner ear impairment, early detection and treatment of the condition may reduce the morbidities resulting from undiagnosed audiovestibular impairment. In a prospective study the investigators will examine the inner ear function (vestibular and auditory) of psoriatic patients and compare it to an healthy, young control group. The study will include 2 groups of participants: psoriatic patients and healthy volunteers. psoriatic patients are recruited from the dermatology clinic while the healthy volunteers are members of the hospital staff. The participants will undergo 2 sets of examinations: 1. auditory function examination: hearing test (that includes pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and discrimination level), tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions. 2. vestibular function examination: * Video head impulse test: a ten-minute, non- invasive test that includes a computer and a set of goggles worn by the participant. The participants is sitting in front of a wall while wearing the goggles, the investigator moves the participant's head sideways with short, rapid movements. the computer calculates the accuracy and the velocity of the eyes movements. * The participants fills a dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. The participants from the psoriatic group are recruited from the dermatology clinic. The healthy group participants are members of the hospital staff and are recruited from the hospital.