Hearing loss in multiple sclerosis.

Hearing loss in an uncommon symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). In nine patients with MS, seven with unilateral hearing loss and two with bilateral impairment, accompanying symptoms and signs included facial numbness, hemifacial paresis or spasms, ipsilateral limb ataxia, nystagmus, vertigo, tinnitus, and spastic-ataxic gait. Central auditory dysfunction was suggested by audiometric findings and/or by brainstem auditory evoked potentials in all nine patients. Clinical improvement in two was accompanied by return toward normal in the results of audiometric or electrophysiologic studies. Hearing impairment should be sought in patients with MS and appropriate studies pursued.