[Sensorineural hearing loss and autoimmune diseases: relevant view on the problem]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Secondary autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (sASNHL) is linked to systemic or organ-specific autoimmune disorders.
• Hearing impairment may precede or follow the primary autoimmune disease, leading to diagnostic challenges.
• The increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases highlights the significance of understanding sASNHL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on sASNHL.
• To address diagnostic delays caused by limited knowledge of pathogenesis and clinical features.
• To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies for sASNHL.

Main Methods:

• Review of etiopathogenesis and pathomorphology of sASNHL.
• Analysis of clinical features and diagnostic criteria.
• Evaluation of laboratory, genetic, and radiation diagnostic methods.
• Assessment of therapeutic options, including immunosuppression, biological drugs, and gene therapy.

Main Results:

• sASNHL poses a risk of profound hearing loss, often poorly responsive to conventional treatments.
• Diagnostic errors are common due to the delayed manifestation of hearing loss relative to the underlying autoimmune condition.
• Comprehensive data on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are presented.

Conclusions:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of sASNHL is essential to prevent severe hearing loss.
• A multi-faceted approach combining diagnostic advancements and diverse therapeutic strategies is necessary.
• Emerging treatments, including biological agents and gene therapy, offer new hope for managing sASNHL.