Recovery of sensorineural hearing loss in congenital hypothyroidism

Recovery of sensorineural hearing loss in congenital hypothyroidism. Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) may generate serious neurologic complications in children. Sensorineural deafness is one of them, but can be prevented with prompt hormonal substitution.

Case report: The unusual case of an infant with sensorineural hearing loss associated with severe CH is reported. The infant recovered after adequate hormonal substitution, with thyroid hormone (TH) administered as late as 8 months after birth. The role of TH in auditory function and the underlying mechanisms that can lead to hearing loss in CH are discussed. 

Conclusion: This case illustrates the possible association between sensorineural hearing loss and severe CH. Systematic checks of thyroid dysfunction in newborns are important. Despite systematic screening, errors may occur in the transmission of the results, leading to severe complications. Fortunately, sensorineural hearing loss may be recovered after delayed but adequate hormonal substitution.