Concerning Christianity

Guest Blogger- John O’Conner

Autoimmune inner ear disease is characterized by hearing loss or dizziness. AIED is rare, and there is no single cure for the disease.  People affected by AIED suffer hearing loss in both ears, but it is typically less than one percent of all reported cases. A person with AIED will first begin to experience ringing, roaring or hissing.

Many experts believe that AIED is a result of the immune system recognizing the normal tissues of the inner ear as a foreign disease.  Most often, the tissues are mistaken for bacteria or a virus. The mistaken identification causes the immune system to release a chemical that causes inflammation. The chemical damages the surrounding tissue. When the hearing nerve is damaged, hearing is affected. It most often results in total deafness. In mild to moderate cases, hearing aids may be suggested by an audiologist in order to help with the hearing process.

Experts are not sure why this happens. Many sufferers of AIED, however, have other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or lupus.

Example of Someone AIED Has Affected
Rush Limbaugh has AIED, a rare disease that can be managed but not cured by current medications. Limbaugh is deaf as a result of AIED. Limbaugh was treated at The House Ear Clinic/House Ear Institute in Los Angeles. At the time of his diagnosis, Limbaugh had no signs of dizziness, sudden hearing loss, ear fullness or fluctuating degrees of hearing. He gradually lost hearing over a period of five months.

What are the Treatments for Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease?
The best treatment of AIED is Prednisone. Prednisone is a steroid drug which suppresses the immune system. The drug must be taken in high doses for long periods of time. Common side effects of the drug may include weight gain, facial hair, acne, mood changes, cataracts and premature osteoporosis.

Other clinical trials are being studied. One particular study is evaluating the efficacy of combining prednisone and methotrexate. Methotrexate is an immunosuppressive drug similar to prednisone. Methrotrexate is thought to be less-toxic than prednisone. The drug is also expected to have fewer side effects.

Limbaugh is not being treated with any of these drugs. Instead, Limbaugh is being treated with an anti-inflammatory drug known as Enbrel. Physicians not determined if medications will reverse the damage or stop any further damage.  If this treatment is not effective, Limbaugh may require surgery and a cochlear implant. The implant will help him to hear better.

 How Can Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease Be Diagnosed?
During diagnosis, physicians examine blood, test hearing, administer a full physical and use vestibular tests. An ABR test and otoacoustic emission test may be administered also. Many physicians find the electrococleography (ECOG) to be helpful. An early diagnosis can prevent permanent damage. It is best to receive the test as soon as the first symptoms develop.

What to Do to Prevent the Disease
Since the causes are inconclusive, the only real way to prevent the disease is to maintain a healthy diet to reduce the risk of the disease. The best thing to do is reduce all stressors that may lead to hearing loss. Even these preventative measures may not be enough.