Vertigo of delayed onset after sudden deafness

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Vestibular Science

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can lead to delayed vestibular symptoms.
• Ménière's disease is characterized by episodic vertigo and hearing loss.

Observation:

• A distinct clinical entity of delayed-onset episodic vertigo following SSNHL is presented.
• Data from 12 patients and three case reports reveal a latency of 1–68 years between hearing loss and vertigo onset.
• Vestibular symptoms in these patients mimic those of Ménière's disease.

Findings:

• Endolymphatic hydrops is suggested as a potential cause of labyrinthine pathology in the deafened ear.
• Surgical labyrinthectomy performed in the deafened ear proved curative for vertigo.
• The findings support classifying this entity as a variant of Ménière's disease.

Implications:

• This research expands the understanding of vestibular disorders following SSNHL.
• It suggests a potential link between SSNHL, endolymphatic hydrops, and Ménière's-like symptoms.
• The curative effect of labyrinthectomy offers a treatment option for this specific patient group.