How to Identify Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

It’s not a common condition, but autoimmune inner ear disease can be very troubling for those who have it. This disease can be tough to identify. Here are a few signs.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to any changes in your hearing. Autoimmune inner ear disease is characterized by progressive hearing loss and/or dizziness which is caused by antibodies or immune cells which are attacking the inner ear. The hearing loss is accompanied by a ringing of the ears called tinnitus, which happens over a period of months. Half of all patients have problems with balance.

2. The immune system can damage the inner ear through autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, dry eye syndrome and lupus. So having an autoimmune disease in addition to the hearing loss and dizziness, could be an indication of autoimmune inner ear disease. Some researchers believe food allergies may also cause damage to the inner ear.

3. Rule out other conditions. Autoimmune inner ear disease is extremely rare and accounts for less than 1 percent all instances of hearing loss. Find out for sure what's causing your symptoms by consulting your doctor. A diagnosis can be made through a series of tests to see if the symptoms are being caused by other inner ear disorders, disorders that may imitate autoimmune inner ear disease and autoimmune diseases.

Resources

• St. Vincent Medical Center