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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
09:44

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Published on: January 25, 2016

Sudden hearing loss and autoimmune inner ear disease

K C Campbell1, J J Klemens

  • 1Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|September 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This case report highlights immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss (AIED), emphasizing its rapid progression and poor word recognition. Early identification by audiologists is crucial for effective intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Audiology
  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is an immune-mediated condition causing sensorineural hearing loss.
  • AIED typically presents as asymmetric, bilateral hearing loss with an atypical configuration and rapid progression.

Observation:

  • The case report details audiologic evaluations including basic battery, immittance audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem responses.
  • Medical findings were monitored over a two-year period.
  • Otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses indicated both cochlear and retrocochlear involvement, potentially misaligned with pure-tone thresholds.

Findings:

  • Immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss (AIED) often leads to disproportionately poor word recognition.
  • Hearing loss in AIED is typically fluctuant but shows a pattern of rapid progression without early medical intervention.
  • The case demonstrated findings suggestive of both cochlear and retrocochlear pathology.

Implications:

  • Audiologists must be adept at identifying AIED due to the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention.
  • An immunologic basis should be considered in various auditory disorders, including Meniere's disease.
  • Prompt medical intervention is vital to mitigate the rapid progression of hearing loss in AIED.

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