[Acute hearing loss in the early stage of acquired syphilis. A historical and a new case].

Acute hearing loss in an early stage of syphilis was frequently seen in the 19th century, but is very rare nowadays. One historical and one recent case of untreated syphilis are reported. Based on studies of the diary of the Czech composer Fr. Smetana the history of his disease is presented. Following an angina, which had lasted for several weeks, a profuse exanthema developed about 16 weeks after the primary infection. Two weeks later ear symptoms with hearing disorder, tinnitus and vertigo began, resulting in total bilateral deafness after some weeks. Exitus 10 years later by taboparalysis. The recent case is a 25 year old male subject. Also following a longstanding angina a profuse exanthema appeared about 8 weeks after the primary infection. Ear symptoms, hearing disorder and tinnitus in one ear, developed one week after onset of the exanthema. By immediate specific treatment a fateful cours like that of Smetana's could be prevented.