8086 An Interesting Yet Uncommon Presentation of Sensorineural Hearing Loss Due to Hypothyroidism

Abstract Disclosure: A.N. Kiani: None. N.N. Solanki: None. A. Lattouf: None. A. Chaudhary: None. Introduction: Thyroid hormone is needed for the normal development of body structures including the auditory system. Apart from some common manifestations, hypothyroidism can also cause hearing loss. This hearing loss is more commonly bilateral and sensorineural. We present a case of improvement of hearing loss in an elderly female with hypothyroidism, after starting levothyroxine Case presentation: A 64-year-old female, with a past medical history of hypertension, and hypothyroidism Secondary to radioactive iodine ablation, presented after a fall. Home medications include thyroxine 175 mcg daily, however, she is not compliant with her medication. Thyroid profile 2022 showed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) 54.80, and free T4 0.3. A few months ago, the patient developed sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss that is more pronounced in the left ear. The audiogram showed moderate to profound mixed hearing loss on the right and moderate mixed hearing loss on the left, with asymmetry on her word recognition score - worse on the right. Cerum disimpactation improved hearing loss partially. Recent thyroid profile showed a TSH level 44.05, free T4 < 0.25, and free T3 2.3. The patient was restarted on a home dose of levothyroxine. A week later, the patient reported subjective hearing improvement bilaterally with a repeat TSH of 19.88. Conclusion: Hearing loss secondary to hypothyroidism is not uncommon and is partially or completely reversible with treatment. Patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism should get a baseline and annual audiograms to monitor any changes in hearing. Additionally, evaluation for hearing loss should also include TSH levels. Presentation: 6/3/2024