The plaintiff went to the defendant with complaints of right hearing loss and tinnitus for seven days. The defendant recommended treatment with Medrol (methylprednisolone). The plaintiff returned to the defendant a week later, when she was referred to an otolaryngologist. The otolaryngologist diagnosed sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The plaintiff was subsequently treated with high-dose steroids, but had no improvement in hearing.

The plaintiff claimed that the defendant physician’s assistant was negligent in her examination and treatment.

The defendant argued that she consulted with her supervising physician, who recommended the Medrol treatment. The defendant also argued that non-parties were at fault. The defendant additionally maintained that sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rare condition and that treatment is controversial.

According to The Trial Reporter a defense verdict was returned.