Multiple Sclerosis: A Cause of Sudden Hearing Loss

Abstract

Sudden hearing loss is a clinical entity which has numerous aetiologies. In cases where the aetiology is not determined, evaluation and treatment of sudden hearing loss are very difficult. A case of probable multiple sclerosis with sudden hearing loss as the initial symptom is reported. The pure-tone audiometry showed a quasi-total sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear; the left side displayed only wave I in the auditory brainstem response (ABR). Electronystagmographic examination revealed hypometric dysmetria and saccadic pursuit abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed high-intensity lesions with multiple foci. After steroid therapy, the patient's hearing loss, vertigo and visual problems improved, but the ABR findings remained unchanged. We have decided to present this case because of the interesting ABR finding revealing the presence of wave I and the absence of all other waves after the normalization of the hearing.