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Pulec JL, Pulec MB, Ignacio MH. Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Subjective Tinnitus and Vertigo Caused by Elevated Blood Lipids. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 1997. [DOI: 10.1177/014556139707601008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The otologist frequently sees patients with progressive sensorineural hearing loss, subjective aural tinnitus and vertigo with no apparent cause. Elevated blood lipids may be a cause of inner ear malfunction on a biochemical basis. To establish the true incidence of this condition, all new patients (4,251) seen during an eight-year period were evaluated; of these, 2,332 patients had complaints of inner ear disease. All had a complete neurotologic examination, appropriate audiometric and vestibular studies and imaging, and blood tests including lipid phenotype studies. Hyperlipoproteinemia was found in 120 patients (5.1%). Most patients were found to be overweight and had additional coexisting conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Treatment with vasodilators and a 500-calorie, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet yielded improvement of symptoms in 83% of patients within five months of initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack L. Pulec
- Pulec Ear Clinic and Ear International and the University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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