359 Standardised Management Guidelines of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss for Departmental Use

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains a condition of unknown aetiology with low incidence of 20 cases per 100,000 per year. This has led to a lack of consensus on overall management as there are no NICE guidelines. Trends in management are aimed at attempting to find an identifiable cause and to treat accordingly. Method A double loop audit performed at East Surrey Hospital looked at the management of Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The first loop looked at retrospective data over 7 years identifying how patients with this diagnosis were managed by assessing the following 6 parameters: Pure tone audiometry test performed, Oral steroids, tympanic injection, autoimmune blood screen, MRI booked, and outpatient follow up appointment given. The inconsistent management of those patients led to the design of an algorithm for standardised management ensuring all 6 parameters were covered. This was implemented over a three-year period and a retrospective audit was performed. Results Between 2010–2017, 7 patients were diagnosed on audiometry as having SSNHL. Only 1 patient was managed comprehensively with all 6 parameters covered. The department algorithm was implemented in 2018 suggesting all patients are to be managed according to the algorithm within the first 72hrs of diagnosis. From 2018–2020,14 patients had the diagnosis and managed as per algorithm. There was 92% compliance. Conclusions Although there are no current NICE guidelines, there is great benefit to the patients diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in having standardised departmental guidelines. This ensures that pertinent investigations and medications are administered in a timely manner.