These data suggest that Meniere's disease and other progressive syndromes may be caused by immune dysfunction more often than is currently established. The diagnosis is based on careful review of the patient's family history, findings on physical examination, blood tests, and the results of hearing and vestibular tests. The Western blot immunoassay test for anti-Hsp70 antibodies has been shown to be correlated with active disease and steroid responsiveness in patients with rapidly progressive bilateral nerve deafness. Gottschlich and associates reported 22 percent positivity in this syndrome. For more information, please see References .
Several protocols are available for treatment.
Further observations on the role of the MHC genes and certain hearing disorders . Assessment of serum antibodies in patients with rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss and Meniere's disease . Serum antibody to inner ear proteins in patients with progressive hearing loss. Correlation with disease activity and response to corticosteroid treatment . Feedback Please read our disclaimer.