Autoimmune inner ear disease preliminary case report: audiometric findings following steroid treatments

Am J Audiol. 2013 Jun;22(1):120-4. doi: 10.1044/1059-0889(2012/12-0040).

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the audiometric findings following steroid treatment for autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), which is characterized by bilateral subacute hearing loss, using oral and intratympanic treatment.

Method: The charts of 9 patients with AIED who had been seen in the Saint Louis University School of Medicine's clinic between 2004 and 2011 were reviewed, with special focus on audiometric results.

Results: The majority of patients benefited from treatment for AIED. Four patients (6 ears) received intratympanic therapy as part of their treatment.

Conclusion: Patients with AIED appeared to benefit from a clinical pathway using a prolonged course of oral steroids, followed by a trial of intratympanic steroids and/or immunosuppresants for refractory cases.

Keywords: autoimmune inner ear disease; bilateral sensorineural hearing loss; intratympanic steroids.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / drug therapy*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / etiology
  • Humans
  • Labyrinth Diseases / complications
  • Labyrinth Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisone