Mediterr J Otol 2005:1(1):31-35.

The role of immunologic and viral factors in etiology of idiopathic sudden deafness

Atmaca S., Saatci M.

Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine Department of  Otorhinolaryngology, Samsun  sinanatmaca@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of viral and immunologic factors in the etiology of idiopathic sudden deafness.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples of 20 patients (8 males, 12 females, mean age 41.3 years; range 13 to 65 years) with idiopathic sudden deafness were studied and compared with those of 20 healthy individuals (6 males, 14 females; mean age 28.5 years; range 23 to 45 years). Sudden deafness involved the right ear in six patients and the left ear in 14 patients. The mean hearing loss was 76.4 dB (range 43 to 110 dB). None of the patients had bilateral involvement. The duration of the symptoms was less than three days and no treatment had been given for sudden deafness before presentation. Statistical analysis was made with the use of the chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the patients and controls regarding the viral factors including hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, rubella, mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus. The mean serum levels of immunologic markers including anti-double stranded DNA antibody (p=0.024), anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody (p=0.016), IgG (p=0.016), IgM (p<0.001), and complement 4 (p=0.035) were significantly low in the patient group; however, they all were within the reference ranges. Only the mean C-reactive protein level was significantly high compared to controls (p=0.031), exceeding the reference range.

CONCLUSION: Given that the duration of the symptoms was less than three days in the patient group, significantly increased levels of C-reactive protein may indicate the role of a systemic inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of idiopathic sudden deafness.