Autoimmunity and inner ear disorders: an immune-complex mediated sensorineural hearing loss

An immune-complex mediated form of autoimmune disease is described with the inner ear as one of its target organs. Around 40 dB bilateral sensorineural hearing loss improved on short-term corticosteroid therapy to normal levels. This case report is presented against the background of a general survey on autoimmunity and inner ear diseases. Cellular and humoral immune reactions may be etiologic moments in an audiovestibular dysfunction of autoimmune character.