Abstract
Harada's disease is one of autoimmune disease in which target cells may be melanocyte, and is characterized by a granulomatous uveitis, meningitis symptoms, labyrinthine disorders and depigmentation of the skin. Eleven of 11 patients with Harada's disease were neurotologically studied. Nine of the 11 patients complained of cochlear and/or vestibular symptoms. In 8 of 22 ears sensorineural hearing loss between 20dB and 40dB was observed. In 5 of them a moderate sensorineural hearing loss between 40dB and 60dB was observed. In 2 of the 11 patients Bekesy's audiometry and SISI test showed auditory recruitment. In 5 of the 22 ears electrocochleography was performed but no ear showed enlarged negative SP. One patient who had a low pitched hearing loss indicated negative glycerol test. Equilibrium test was performed in 6 of 11 patients, and they showed peripheral disequilibrium findings. No interrelationship among hearing loss, visual acuity and CSF findings was obtained. These results suggested that inner ear involvement is a common complication in Harada's disease. It was also discussed whether or not the inner ear involvement is related to disorder of the endolymphatic sac in which melanocytes and immunological substances are contained.
