title: The immune system in hearing disorders.
abstract: Cellular and humoral immune reactions may play a role in the ethiopathogenesis of audiovestibular dysfunction. Immune-mediated inner ear disorders can be of cochlear and retrocochlear origin. Autoimmunity plays a certain role, but is certainly not obligatory. Anti-inflammatory treatment remains the mainstay of therapy. Such hearing disorders can further be looked upon as 'experiments of nature'.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Veldman
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000276:immunology*