Causes
AIED is generally caused by either antibodies or immune cells that cause damage to the inner ear. There are several autoimmune disorders to which AIED is related:
- Bystander damage
- Cross-reactions
- Genetic factors
- Drug Use (opiate-based painkillers like OxyContin)
Research has found that long term abuse of opiate-based painkillers (such as OxyContin and Hydrocodone) can lead to profound hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear, according to Dr. Gail Ishiyama, an assistant professor at the UCLA department of neurology.
Read more about this topic: Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease