Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Labyrinthitis and Ménière's Disease

Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Sensorineural hearing loss results from abnormalities of the cochlea, auditory nerve, or other structures that translate neural impulses to the auditory cortex of the brain, distinguishing it from conductive hearing loss, which involves problems with structures that "conduct" sound waves to the cochlea 1

Audiometry is essential for documenting the sensorineural nature of hearing loss in both conditions, with the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommending its use 1
In Ménière's disease, audiometry typically shows a fluctuating low- to mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss pattern, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2
The Weber tuning fork test in unilateral SNHL will lateralize to the unaffected ear (opposite to the affected ear), as noted by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 4

Ménière's disease presents with recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours, fluctuating hearing loss that worsens over time, tinnitus, and aural fullness, as described by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends considering the symptoms of Ménière's disease, including vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness, for diagnosis 2

Treatment for Ménière's disease focuses on managing vertigo attacks while attempting to preserve or stabilize hearing, with conservative approaches including a low-sodium diet and limiting alcohol and caffeine, as suggested by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 5
Diuretics may help stabilize inner ear fluid dynamics and potentially slow hearing deterioration in Ménière's disease, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 5

Regular audiometric testing is essential to monitor hearing progression in both conditions, with the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommending its use 5
The presence of normal otoscopic examination with hearing loss should raise suspicion for SNHL rather than conductive hearing loss, as noted by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1
When evaluating patients with vertigo and hearing loss, it's essential to rule out other potential causes, such as vestibular schwannoma or cerebrovascular events, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 4