Idiopathic sequential bilateral profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurring 4 years after unilateral presentation

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as hearing loss of 30db or more at least 3 consecutive audiometric frequencies occurring within 72 hours period or less. Unilateral presentation of sudden sensorineural hearing loss is common, however bilateral sequential presentation of this disease is very rare. Clinically we couldn’t anticipate the occurrence of sequential bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss at the first time. This bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss will affect the quality of life of patient. So, we report a case of 60 years old female patient with profound bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss with time interval of 4 years between involvement of both ears. Even though high dose steroid administered intravenously and intratympanic the patient’s hearing was not restored and eventually require hearing aids. The purpose of presenting this article is that sequential profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss may present without any warning sign, response to treatment is very poor and the rarity of this condition.