Sensorineural hearing loss and ulcerative colitis

Abstract

The association of sensorineural hearing loss and ulcerative colitis is well documented and it is speculated that this is autoimmune in origin. A case in a 12-year-old boy is described, that initially responded to steroid therapy, but four years later resulted in bilateral, profound sensorineural hearing loss in spite of good control of his bowel disease. Immunological tests may provide a clue as to the aetiology of suspected cases of autoimmune inner ear disease. Immediate treatment with steroids with or without immunosuppressive therapy is essential as delay may lead to irreversible hearing loss.