Sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in a patient immunocompromised by the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

It is known that in less than a third of patients presenting sudden hearing loss, the disorder can be attributed to viral infection, trauma, neoplasms, and vascular and autoimmune diseases. However, the role of the HIV in the onset of this disease has not yet been well described. A 46-year-old female, in an immunosuppression state induced by HIV infection, presented with sudden bilateral hearing loss, with no improvement despite treatment. Several mechanisms were reported by which the virus could induce damage to the auditory pathway. However, little is known regarding the prevention and treatment of this morbidity.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo as an initial presenting symptom of HIV/AIDS patient

“…Otolaryngologic manifestations are common in patients with AIDS, and such manifestations are generally attributed to HIV itself or to opportunistic infections. Although there have been a few case reports of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and vertigo in patients already diagnosed with HIV infection [1–5], there has been no report of SSNHL with vertigo as the first clinical manifestation of HIV infection. We report a 27-year-old man with SSNHL with vertigo as an initial presenting symptom of HIV infection.…”

“…toxoplasmosis, syphilis, herpes and cytomegalovirus), or side effects of antiretroviral therapy. On the other hand, sudden onset hearing loss has been reported in only a limited number of patients with HIV infection [1–5], and the mechanism that contributes to the association between HIV infection and SSNHL is still unclear [4]. SSNHL is defined as sensorineural hearing loss of at least 30 dB in three contiguous audiometric frequencies occurring over 3 days or less, and viral infection, inner ear ischemia or hemorrhage, and disruption of cochlear membrane have been suggested as possible causes [7].…”