Overview
Autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a rare condition characterized by progressive, fluctuating, bilateral, and often asymmetric hearing loss over weeks to months, frequently accompanied by vestibular symptoms, tinnitus, and aural fullness 1.Diagnosis
Clinical suspicion based on history and physical exam
Audiogram to document SNHL characteristics
MRI to rule out structural causes
Limited laboratory workup to exclude secondary causes
Responsiveness to corticosteroids as a diagnostic criterion 1Management
First-line treatment: Corticosteroids (specific dosing not detailed) 1
Adjunctive treatments: Immunosuppressive agents (specific recommendations vary) 1Special Populations
Pregnancy: Specific management guidelines not provided 1
Pediatrics: Not addressed in the abstract 1
Elderly: Not specifically discussed 1
Comorbidities: Management considerations not detailed 1Key Recommendations
Evaluate suspected cases with detailed history, physical exam, audiogram, MRI, and limited labs to exclude secondary causes (Evidence: Moderate) 1
Corticosteroids should be considered both diagnostically and therapeutically based on response (Evidence: Weak) 1
Further randomized trials are needed to establish definitive treatment protocols and long-term outcomes (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1References
1 Mijovic T, Zeitouni A, Colmegna I. Autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss: the otology-rheumatology interface. Rheumatology (Oxford, England) 2013. link