Luetic hearing loss

Luetic hearing loss has been noted with increasing frequency in recent years. Four cases of luetic hearing loss seen at Walter Reed General Hospital from 1974 to 1975 are presented and discussed. Symptoms and pathology of luetic involvement of the inner ear are also presented. Serum FTA-ABS and TPI, in addition to VDRL, must be routinely obtained during the workup of hearing loss. CSF FTA-ABS should be obtained if serum FTA-ABS and TPI are positive. Reversibility may be dependent on early detection of luetic hearing loss and treatment with high doses of antibiotics and steroids.