Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome. An Update.

: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a sudden loss of hearing, usually unilateral, of more than 30 dB in 3 contiguous frequencies of the tonal audiometry. SSNHL estimates an incidence ranging from 5 to 20 per 100.000 people per year. In approximately 75% of cases a cause cannot be identified and hence, it is defined as Idiopathic SNHL. However it may be associated to posterior vascular events, coagulation disorders, neoplasms, demyelinating diseases, infections and autoimmune disorders. Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome are systemic autoimmune diseases with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss could be seen in these patients, so the treating physician should be aware of this complication. Treatments include immunosuppressive drugs with or without anticoagulation associated.