Sequential bilateral hearing loss in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES

We describe a case of multiple sclerosis presenting with sequential bilateral hearing loss.

METHODS

A 46-year-old woman underwent a series of audiological and neurologic evaluations for sequential bilateral hearing losses that occurred 6 months apart.

RESULTS

Initially, the patient suffered from sudden left hearing loss, and magnetic resonance imaging documented an enhancing lesion in the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Six months later, another episode of sudden vertigo, right hearing loss, and right facial palsy developed. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a new lesion in the right middle cerebellar peduncle.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential bilateral hearing loss may be a manifestation of multiple sclerosis. In younger patients with sudden hearing loss, multiple sclerosis should be included in the differential diagnosis.