Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED) is a rare condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the inner ear, as if fighting off an infection. Although uncommon—responsible for only about 1% of all hearing loss cases—Dr. Sperling has extensive experience diagnosing and treating this disorder.

AIED often mimics Meniere’s disease. Patients typically experience progressive or fluctuating hearing loss in both ears. Other symptoms may include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and aural fullness (a sensation of pressure in the ear). Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical evaluation and blood tests that are performed in-office.