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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Sensorineural hearing loss and celiac disease: a coincidental finding
Umberto Volta1, Gian Gaetano Ferri, Roberto De Giorgio
1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, St Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. uvolta@aosp.bo.it
Summary
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and celiac disease (CD) appear to occur coincidentally. Hearing assessments are recommended for celiac patients only if they exhibit clinical signs of hearing deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is linked to various extraintestinal manifestations, including neurological disorders.
- A potential association between CD and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been suggested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between SNHL and CD.
- To determine if SNHL in CD patients relates to specific antibodies or autoimmune conditions.
Main Methods:
- Audiometric analysis was performed on 59 CD patients and 59 matched controls.
- CD patients included newly diagnosed and those on a gluten-free diet.
- Patients were tested for nonorgan-specific and antineuronal antibodies.
Main Results:
- SNHL prevalence was 8.5% in CD patients and 3.4% in controls, with no significant difference.
- Antineuronal antibodies were negative in CD patients with SNHL.
- Only one CD patient with SNHL had Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Conclusions:
- Sensorineural hearing loss and celiac disease appear to be coincidental findings.
- Hearing function evaluation is advised for celiac disease patients presenting with clinical hearing impairment symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hair Cells
Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.