Sensorineural Deafness in Early Acquired Syphilis

Abstract

A 36 yr old male developed bilateral sensorineural deafness as the chief manifestation of secondary syphilis. CSF showed pleocytosis. Treatment with penicillin and prednisone resulted in good recovery of hearing. Initial recovery seemed dependent on corticosteroids. Deafness can complicate acquired syphilis in early and late stages of the disease and may be its sole manifestation. Early acquired syphilitic deafness is usually the result of a meningitis affecting the 8th nerve and responds well to treatment. These features are contrasted with those of late acquired symphilitic deafness.