Evaluation of Role of Prognostic Factors on Hearing Outcome in Unilateral Idiopathic Sudden Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

Introduction: Owing to its uncertain and multiple possible etiologies, use of multiple empirical treatment regimens and possibility of spontaneous recovery, it becomes important to look for the possible prognostic factors affecting the outcome of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Material and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted with the primary aim of analyzing the role of various possible prognostic factors on the outcome of idiopathic SSNHL including demographic (Age, gender), audio-vestibular (Pre-treatment hearing loss in the affected ear, hearing in the contralateral ear, time elapse between onset of hearing loss and start of treatment, type of hearing loss in term of frequencies affected), presence of tinnitus / vertigo and Comorbidities (Diabetes, Hypothyroidism & Deranged lipid profile/ dyslipidemia). Result: The absence of vertigo and tinnitus led to better hearing outcomes while raised HbA1c levels, deranged lipids and thyroid profiles adversely affected the outcome. Conclusion: Vertigo, tinnitus, raised HbA1c levels, deranged lipids and thyroid profiles are possible negative prognostic factors. Better pretreatment hearing levels in the affected and unaffected ears prompted improved recovery.