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.