An unusual cause of hearing loss in an 81-year-old man

An 81-year-old man presented to accident and emergency with a recent history of rapidly progressive bilateral hearing loss. Further questioning revealed recent sinusitis, fevers and general malaise. Initial bloods showed raised inflammatory markers, raised creatinine, low albumin and urine dip was positive for blood and protein. Chest x-ray showed faint bilateral mid-zone infiltrates. He was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone (500 mg×3) for presumed Wegener’s granulomatosis which was later confirmed by c-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies testing (proteinase-3 positive) and supportive findings on CT chest and sinuses. He was discharged after 10 days in hospital on oral prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. He is continuing treatment and seen regularly in outpatient follow-up. Unfortunately his hearing has not fully recovered and he is awaiting a hearing aid.

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