TerminatedPhase 3

Autoimmunity in Inner Ear Disease

United StatesStarted 1998-03

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether prednisone, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide are effective in the treatment of rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. This condition is called autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), because it is thought that the hearing loss is triggered by an autoimmune process. Treatment attempts to suppress or control this process with powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. This is a Phase III, outpatient study. All study participants will be assigned to one of four different groups testing the experimental use of drugs. The study is scheduled to run for 18 months, with a minimum of 11 visits per participant.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Have sensorineural (nerve/inner ear) hearing loss of at least 30 dB in each ear, which has rapidly progressed. * Are in good general health. * Are sterile or use contraception (if a woman of child-bearing age). * Are able to speak and understand English or Spanish. Exclusion Criteria: * Have had any previous reaction to prednisone, or history of psychiatric reaction to corticosteroids. * Have used corticosteroids for more than 30 days within the past 90 days. Patients who have been off corticosteroids for at least 30 days may be eligible. * Have any significant heart, lung, digestive, blood, or neurologic disorders. * Have tuberculosis (TB), brittle or unstable insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, active malignancy or prior chemotherapy, pancreatitis, active peptic ulcer disease, kidney failure, history of shingles, or known (other) autoimmune disease. * Have had a positive test for HIV, hepatitis C or B. * Have any type of middle ear disorder. * Are breast-feeding or pregnant.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00000361

SponsorNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hearing Loss, Sensorineural trials