The authors submit a complex of immunological and immunochemical examinations of patients with the working diagnosis of Méniére’s disease and progressive sensorineural hearing disorder. All tests were made on the basis of solubilized antigens of the human cochlea. Isolated proteins were characterized by SDS PAGE. For assessment of the immunological basis of the disease the authors used the following tests: immunoblotting, ELISA, CD69 analysis of peripheral CD3+ lymphocytes by flow cytometry after stimulation with cochlear antigens and the lymphocyte transformation test. The tests revealed the irregular formation of autoantibodies and irregular activation of periipheral circulating CD3+ lymphocytes in patients. This can be partially considered the result of local damage of the cochlea or expression of pathological surface structures and availability of normally not present local antigens as a result of various stimuli (viral damage, pressure of endolymph etc.). Based on these results the view can be supported that Méniér e’s disease is from the etiological aspect beyond doubt an autoimmune disease. It is however possible that as a result of the induction of the however possible that as a results of the induction of the autoimmune process the manifestations of the disease have a progressive trend.

        Key words: cochleovestibular disorder, Méniére’s disease, progressive sensorineural hearing disorder, immunology.