Evaluation and management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in Indian naval scenario - A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency and if treated early, may improve chances of recovery of lost hearing. Delay in diagnosis and/or initiation of treatment may cause a permanent hearing loss. A relative lack of standardized management protocol has resulted in wide variation among various institutes for investigations and treatment of SSNHL. Aims and Objectives: To provide an overview of causes, methods of evaluation, and management of SSNHL pertaining to the Indian Naval scenario, based on cases evaluated and managed at a zonal level hospital of Indian Navy, over a period of 1 year. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the department of otorhinolaryngology at a zonal hospital of Indian Navy from January 2018 to December 2018 and subsequent follow-up until June 2019, giving a minimum follow-up of 6 months for each case. Ten cases were included in the study, evaluated, and managed and the outcomes were analyzed. Among these, six were idiopathic SSNHL (ISSNHL) cases and four were noise-induced (after small-arm firing) SSNHL cases. Results and Conclusion: Hearing outcomes were better and statistically significant for ISSNHL cases compared to noise-induced SSNHL cases. There was a strong negative correlation between the delay in initiation of treatment with improvement in hearing after treatment. The pattern of audiogram is a good predictor for recovery/no recovery, wherein flat and ascending types showed complete recovery, whereas descending type and profound hearing loss type showed no/partial recovery.