Effects of Anakinra in Subjects With Corticosteroid-resistant/Intolerant Meniere's Disease and Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

This study tests anakinra, an anti-inflammatory drug that blocks interleukin-1 (IL-1), in patients with Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED) or Meniere's Disease who have not responded to — or cannot tolerate — corticosteroids. Both conditions can cause progressive, debilitating hearing loss, and when steroid treatment fails, there are very few alternatives. AIED and Meniere's Disease are believed to involve immune-mediated inflammation attacking the inner ear. By blocking IL-1, anakinra may reduce this inflammation and stabilize or even improve hearing. The study targets patients whose hearing has continued to worsen despite appropriate steroid therapy. Adults aged 18–75 with documented hearing decline and confirmed failure of steroid treatment, who are fluent in English, are eligible. You may be eligible if you: - Are between 18 and 75 years of age - Have been diagnosed with AIED or Meniere's Disease with documented audiological decline - Have not responded to or cannot tolerate corticosteroid treatment - Have completed all steroid therapy (including intratympanic) - Are fluent in English You may NOT be eligible if you: - Have previously received gentamicin treatment for Meniere's Disease - Are currently on methotrexate, anti-TNF therapy, or other immunosuppressive medications - Have been treated for any malignancy (cancer) in the past 3 years - Have significant kidney disease (creatinine clearance < 49 mL/min) - Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding - Are positive for HIV, active Hepatitis B or C, or active tuberculosis Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.