Sensorineural hearing loss due to secondary syphilis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Secondary syphilis is a systemic infection with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Otosyphilis, syphilis affecting the inner ear, is historically documented but infrequently reported in modern literature.
• A resurgence of syphilis in the UK necessitates awareness of its less common presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss secondary to syphilis.
• To highlight the potential for otosyphilis to be an emerging complication of secondary syphilis.
• To increase clinician awareness of otosyphilis in the context of rising syphilis rates.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of relevant historical and current medical literature on syphilis and hearing loss.

Main Results:

• The case demonstrates a direct link between secondary syphilis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• This presentation of otosyphilis is unusual in contemporary medical practice.
• The findings suggest otosyphilis may be underdiagnosed or underreported.

Conclusions:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with secondary syphilis.
• Increased vigilance for otosyphilis is warranted due to the current syphilis epidemic.
• Early recognition and treatment of otosyphilis are crucial to prevent permanent hearing impairment.