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Sudden sensorineural hearing loss as a presentation of multiple sclerosis
D J Franklin1, N J Coker, H A Jenkins
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be a rare initial symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Early auditory dysfunction, especially retrocochlear, may signal MS even without other neurological signs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Audiology
Background:
- Auditory system involvement is common in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Sensorineural hearing loss as the primary presenting symptom of MS is infrequent.
- Early detection of MS is crucial for management.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- One patient's hearing loss was the sole initial neurological complaint.
- Auditory brain-stem evoked responses, speech audiometry, acoustic reflexes, and electronystagmography provided objective data on brain-stem function.
- Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed white matter demyelination.
Findings:
- Acute retrocochlear auditory dysfunction without other central nervous system signs can indicate early MS.
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be an isolated initial manifestation of MS.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of audiological evaluation in diagnosing MS.
- Suggests considering MS in cases of unexplained sudden hearing loss.
- Emphasizes the role of neuroimaging and audiological tests in early MS detection.