Definition
Hearing loss ≥30 dB in 3 contiguous frequencies in <3 days.
Etiology
- Infections
- Trauma
- Vascular issues
- Otologic conditions (e.g., Ménière’s disease)
- Toxicity
- Neoplastic conditions (e.g., acoustic neuroma)
- Other conditions: Multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis
- Psychogenic and non-organic causes
Screening Tests
- Audiology
- Radiology: MRI
- Labs: CBC-ESR, Total Cholesterol, HIV (if high risk), ESR, ANA, RF
Treatment
- Systemic Steroids +/- intratympanic injection of steroids
- Antivirals
- Vasodilators: Histamine