Temporal arteritis and sensorineural hearing loss

Objectives: The association of temporal arteritis and sensorineural hearing loss is a rare occurrence. We present four cases with both these disorders. Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of all cases seen at the Geisinger Medical Center showed 271 cases of temporal arteritis and four cases with concomitant sensorineural hearing loss. The four cases were identified, obtained, and extensively reviewed. Patients ranged in age from 59 to 76 years and presented with sensorineural hearing loss and signs, symptoms, and biopsy evidence of temporal arteritis. The response to therapy and clinical course of each case are discussed. Results: In three patients, the hearing loss preceded the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis by 2 days to 2 months. In one case, the hearing loss was noted concurrently with systemic features of giant cell arteritis. All cases were treated with corticosteroids and had full or partial return of hearing. Conclusions: Sensorineural hearing loss can be a preceding or concurrent symptom of temporal arteritis. Recognition and treatment may lead to partial or full recovery. It is not certain whether the time from onset of hearing loss to diagnosis to institution of therapy influences recovery. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.