Hearing loss can arise from a number of factors, including aging, loud noise exposure, ototoxic medication (medication that damages the hearing mechanisms of the inner ear), physical trauma, illness, inflammatory medical conditions and more. One medical condition that can result in hearing loss is Cogan’s syndrome.
What Is Cogan’s Syndrome?
Cogan’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the inner ears and eyes. The disease usually progresses over three to 90 days and can result in symptoms including but not limited to:
- Hearing loss
- Vertigo
- Poor balance
- Painful and light-sensitive eyes or blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Excessive fatigue
- Weight loss
While many symptoms may come and go, hearing loss from Cogan’s syndrome can become severe and permanent over time.
How Is Cogan’s Syndrome Managed?
There is no known cure for Cogan’s syndrome. Instead, your provider will likely focus on managing symptoms. Treatment may differ based on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing. For instance, corticosteroids may be the first treatment path when inflammation or swelling causes malfunction or damage to the inner ear. Strong corticosteroids are used in an attempt to calm inflammation as a result of Cogan’s syndrome.
Many people with Cogan’s syndrome have permanent visual or hearing damage. When Cogan’s syndrome results in hearing loss and medication is ineffective in preventing inner ear damage, hearing aids or cochlear implants are excellent treatment options. Both devices work to collect and amplify speech sounds and send them directly through the ear and into the auditory center of the brain. While they cannot cure Cogan’s syndrome or reduce non-hearing symptoms, hearing aids and cochlear implants can help minimize the adverse impact of inner ear damage.
When Should You Seek Help?
Cogan’s symdrome can cause severe symptoms when left untreated. If you experience any visual, balance or auditory problems, for instance, if you find it difficult to hear the specials at Harmony Coffee Bar or find yourself tripping more often than usual, contact your provider immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Remember that vision, auditory or balance issues are not necessarily symptomatic of Cogan’s disease. Because the reasons for these types of symptoms vary, it is always best to make an appointment with your provider before jumping to conclusions about your health.
Contact North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today to make an appointment with one of our specialists for a hearing assessment and treatment plan.