When syphilis affects inner ear function (hearing and balance), it is sometimes referred to as otosyphilis. Symptoms of otosyphilis may include hearing loss, tinnitus, and disequilibrium. In a patient diagnosed with syphilis and complaining of these symptoms, it is reasonable to undertake a screening workup to check for more common causes. Treatment of otosyphilis is the same as treatment for syphilis in general and involves antibiotics (usually prescribed by an internist or infectious disease specialist). If the hearing and balance symptoms do not improve with antibiotics, then patients often consider consultation with an audiologist (for the hearing symptoms) and vestibular physical therapist (for the disequilibrium).