J Audiol Otol.  2024 Jan;28(1):72-75. 10.7874/jao.2023.00129.

Isolated Sudden Bilateral Neurosensory Hearing Loss as a Presentation of Lyme Neuroborreliosis: A Case Study

• Rochd S
• Benhoummad O
• Salhi S
• Lakhdar Y
• Rochdi Y
• Raji A
• Oualhadj H
• Kamouni YE
• Zouhair S

• KMID: 2550511
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2023.00129

Abstract

Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is a rare but potentially serious manifestation of Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Although LNB can affect various neurological systems, neurosensory hearing loss as the sole presentation is uncommon. We report a case of a 23-year-old woman who presented with a 2-month history of temporal headache, tinnitus, and instability, which was followed by sudden bilateral hearing loss without any other associated symptoms. Pure-tone audiometry revealed profound bilateral hearing loss. Serological testing for various pathogens was negative, except for B. burgdorferi IgM, which was confirmed using Western blot analysis. The patient received doxycycline treatment; unfortunately, no recovery of hearing was observed. This case report highlights the importance of considering LNB as a potential cause of neurosensory hearing loss, particularly in areas where Lyme disease is endemic, as well as the need for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent potential complications.

Keyword

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss; Lyme neuroborreliosis; Bilateral hearing loss; Inner ear disorders