Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Sjögren's Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting exocrine glands, primarily salivary and lacrimal glands.
• It presents in primary and secondary forms, with varying severity and potential for extraglandular manifestations.
• Sensorineural hearing loss is a recognized, though less common, symptom in both forms of Sjögren's syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of Sjögren's syndrome, focusing on its impact on hearing.
• To elucidate the autoimmune inner ear disease mechanisms relevant to Sjögren's syndrome.
• To discuss current and future treatment strategies for sensorineural hearing loss in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathology, clinical manifestations, and immunology of Sjögren's syndrome.
• Analysis of histoanatomical and immunological characteristics of the inner ear in autoimmune diseases.
• Examination of pathophysiological mechanisms linking Sjögren's syndrome to hearing loss.

Main Results:

• Sjögren's syndrome involves systemic exocrine gland dysfunction and can present with sensorineural hearing loss.
• Autoimmune inner ear disease shares immunological and pathological features relevant to Sjögren's syndrome.
• A novel salivary gland inflammation model is introduced for further research.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the autoimmune basis of hearing loss in Sjögren's syndrome is crucial for effective management.
• Further research into autoimmune inner ear disease and novel therapeutic targets is warranted.
• Developing targeted treatments for sensorineural hearing loss in Sjögren's syndrome remains an important clinical goal.