Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Why It's an Emergency.

Wynnie W Jung,Carl Hoegerl

doi:10.7759/cureus.21418

Abstract

This review shows the importance of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) as a significant cause of hearing loss that often goes under-recognized, especially by primary care physicians. Contrasted with conductive hearing loss, SSNHL involves inner ear damage. This work reviewed the diagnostic methods and treatments of SSNHL in the U.S. and Canada, including treatment options. It is imperative that primary care physicians and providers be able to recognize this condition early so that treatment may be initiated without delay as hearing loss can become permanent if not managed immediately.

Highlights

BackgroundSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological condition that develops rapidly in a patient over the course of hours to days and is considered an ENT emergency [1]
This review shows the importance of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) as a significant cause of hearing loss that often goes under-recognized, especially by primary care physicians
It is imperative that primary care physicians and providers be able to recognize this condition early so that treatment may be initiated without delay as hearing loss can become permanent if not managed immediately

Summary

Introduction

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological condition that develops rapidly in a patient over the course of hours to days and is considered an ENT emergency [1]. 46.7% of patients with idiopathic SSNHL spontaneously recover without treatment within two weeks of onset, yet other studies have found a significantly higher rate of recovery and improved hearing recovery in patients treated with steroids compared to placebo [1,2,4,9]. Patients in a case study who were given HBO therapy after 17 days of oral corticosteroids showed complete recovery of hearing confirmed by pure tone audiometry along with statistically significant hearing gains across all frequencies. When combined with large-dosed steroid therapy, the overall effectiveness of HBO can vary from 11-80% with the most favorable prognoses in patients experiencing a medium or deep hearing loss (>41 dB) and whose treatments were implemented within 14 days of onset. If patients still experience residual or permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus after completion of treatment, physicians should counsel patients about audiologic rehab and other supportive methods [10]

Conclusions

Findings

Disclosures