Pharmacological treatment of immune-mediated inner ear disorders. A clinical immunology and audiology survey.

Cellular and humoral immune reactions may play an etiologic role in an audio-vestibular dysfunction. That immune-mediated inner ear disorders can both be of cochlear and retro-cochlear origin is illustrated on the basis of immunological, immunopathological and audiological data of three case reports, completely differing in their pathogenesis. Autoimmunity may play a certain role, but not in all cases. Anti-inflammatory treatment (corticosteroids) remains the mainstay in therapy.