Clinical analysis of 22 autoimmune inner ear disease cases.

Abstract

　Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) was reported by McCabe in 1979 and was characterized by episodic vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss. Some patients develop total deafness and severe disequilibrium which disturbs their activities of daily living (ADL). Steroids or immune suppressing agents are used to control symptoms, but they have to be given repeatedly, because the symptoms tend to recur. We analyzed 22 AIED patients diagnosed by the presence of a 68kDa protein. The patients with low grade hearing loss showed some recovery of their hearing, However, hearing recovery was not noted in any patient with severe hearing loss. It is important to diagnose AIED and start treatment as soon as possible.