Fluctuating hearing loss in sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease, which can affect the vestibulo-acoustic system at any level, causing vertigo and/or hearing loss. The main mechanism could be vasculitis. One patient with fluctuating hearing loss as the first manifestation of a systemic sarcoidosis is presented. Diagnostic modalities, especially different sites of biopsy or needle aspiration are discussed. The treatment is steroid therapy. Hearing will be restored provided no irreversible changes of the VIIIth nerve and/or the inner ear have occurred.