Acute profound sensorineural hearing loss as the initial manifestation of Hairy Cell Leukemia, Case Report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Hematologic diseases are rarely present with sudden hearing loss as an initial symptom. Although the precise cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss has not been identified, several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed. However, a variety of hematologic diseases are among the causes of sudden onset deafness. This article represents the first reported case of Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) which presented with acute unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss as an inital mainfestation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 41-year-old man presented with unilateral sudden hearing loss for one day’s duration was found to have HCL during a worked up for his hearing loss. The disease worsened, and there was no improvement in his hearing. DISCUSSION: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can rarely be seen as a paraneoplastic occurrence.Very few cases have been reported in the literature. It has been reported as a presenting symptom of leukemia in numerous clinical and histopathological reports concerning the hearing loss in hematologic diseases. Our case is an example of such a rare incidence. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study is to draw physicians’ attention to the possible association between acute sensorineural hearing loss to HCL, and to highlights permanent deafness as a complication secondary to HCL. Furthermore, it is important to increase awareness on early diagnosis and treatment that may improve treatment outcomes.