Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Sudden-onset bilateral deafness revealing early neurosyphilis
A-L Cassilde1, G Barnaud2, S Baccar3
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Louis-Mourier, centre hospitalier universitaire, (AP-HP), 178, rue des Renouillers, 92701 Colombes cedex, France.
Introduction:
Rapid-onset of sensorineural hearing loss in a patient at risk of genital or oral exposure to treponema can be secondary to early neurosyphilis, for which delayed treatment may result in irreversible sequelae.
Summary Of The Case Report:
A 40-year-old, HIV seropositive man with a CD4 lymphocyte count greater than 500/mm(3) presented with rapid-onset of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss over a period of one week. Otorhinolaryngological examination was normal. The audiogram showed bilateral hearing loss of 25 and 30 decibels, respectively. He subsequently developed loss of visual acuity, leading to the diagnosis of syphilitic meningitis affecting the optic and auditory nerves.
Discussion:
In about one half of cases, neurosyphilis is an early manifestation of the disease occurring several weeks or months after contamination. Rapid- or even sudden-onset of hearing loss may be due to auditory neuritis. Clinical interview and syphilis serology in a patient at risk of exposure can allow rapid diagnosis and treatment, consisting of two weeks parenteral penicillin. Recovery of hearing loss is inconstant but can be complete.
More Related Videos
06:59Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
03:42High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology
Published on: May 18, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Diphtheria
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology