Autoimmune Disease

The body can sometimes act against itself. This is called an autoimmune response. Disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease can be associated with hearing loss. The hearing loss is typically on both sides and mirrors the opposite side.

In some individuals, a condition called Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED) occurs where the autoimmune response occurs only within the inner ear. This is diagnosed by the finding of progressive hearing loss over the period of several weeks in both ears and suggestive blood tests.

Treatment for Autoimmune Disorders

The hearing loss that occurs from autoimmune disease can sometimes be reversed through the administration of steroids. For those situations where the hearing does not reverse, the hearing can be rehabilitated with the use of a hearing aid, or when hearing loss is severe to profound, with a cochlear implant.