Incidence Of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Research Articles

Effect of Herpes Zoster Treatment and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Using National Health Insurance Claims Data of South Korea.

Background and objectives: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of a pre-existing latent varicella zoster virus, which is one of the viruses that causes hearing loss, and hearing loss may occur due to a systemic immune response even if it does not invade the auditory nerve. This study aimed to determine the correlation between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in older adult patients who received HZ treatment. Materials and Methods: We used the cohort data of patients aged 60 years and above (n = 624,646) between 2002 and 2015 provided by the National Health Insurance Service. The patients were divided into two groups: those who were diagnosed with HZ between 2003 and 2008 (group H, n = 36,121) and those who had not been diagnosed with HZ between 2002 and 2015 (group C, n = 584,329). Results: In the main model (adjusted HR = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.839-0.944, p < 0.001) adjusted for sex, age, and income, and the full model (adjusted HR = 0.894, 95% CI = 0.843-0.949, p < 0.001) adjusted for all comorbidities, group H had a lower risk of SSNHL than group C. Conclusions: This study showed that patients who received HZ treatment had a lower incidence of SSNHL within five years after diagnosis.

Comorbidities and laboratory changes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a review.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as an abrupt hearing loss of more than 30 dB in three contiguous frequencies within 72 h. It is an emergency disease requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. The incidence of SSNHL in Western countries' population is estimated between 5 and 20 per 1,00,000 inhabitants. The etiology of SSNHL remains unknown. Due to the uncertainty of the cause of SSNHL, at present, no specific treatment targets the cause of SSNHL, resulting in poor efficacy. Previous studies have reported that some comorbidities are risk factors for SSNHL, and some laboratory results may provide some clues for the etiology of SSNHL. Atherosclerosis, microthrombosis, inflammation, and the immune system may be the main etiological factors for SSNHL. This study confirms that SSNHL is a multifactorial disease. Some comorbidities, such as virus infections, are suggested to be the causes of SSNHL. In summary, by analyzing the etiology of SSNHL, more targeting treatments should be used to achieve a better effect.

A Prospective Study on Post Covid Sudden Onset Sensory Neural Hearing Loss and Its Recovery.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a known complication of a number of viral infections, but there is little literature to date on its association to Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19).This study aimed to investigate the incidence and recovery from SSNHL in post COVID-19 patients. A study was conducted in 6months of duration at our tertiary care COVID dedicated hospital. Total 280 patients with age group of 12-70years, laboratory confirmed COVID 19 positive patients having mild to moderate COVID symptoms were included. Patients were examined clinically along with all safety measures to analyze incidence and their recoveries from SSNHL by clinical examination and using Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA). Out of 280 patients the incidence of only SSNHL is 1.07% (3 patients) and SSNHL with tinnitus is 2.14%(6 patients).Total recovery(TR) regained in 2 patients of SSNHL, Partial recovery(PR) in 4 patients, Slight improvement(SI) in 1 patient and no recovery(NR) in 2 patients. The incidence of SSNHL in time of COVID 19 pandemic appears to be higher (3.2%) than before the pandemic (0.005%-0.16%). Incidence among younger age group and patients with no comorbidities has been also increased. In diagnosed case of SSNHL, early treatment with short term course of oral steroids and neuromodulator drugs are the mainstay treatment. Awareness of such non-specific presentation of COVID 19 patients is crucial and shared decision making with the patient and providing health care personnel is necessary for decreasing the hearing loss associated morbidity.

Characterization of otologic symptoms appearing after COVID-19 vaccination

ObjectivesAnecdotal reports of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) following COVID-19 vaccination have emerged in the otolaryngology community. Studies have demonstrated no association between COVID-19 vaccination and SSNHL. We aim to characterize the spectrum of otologic symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination. MethodsA cross-sectional study of patients seen in the otology clinic at an academic center was performed. Patients completed a questionnaire on the development of new otologic symptoms within 4 weeks of COVID-19 vaccination. Diagnostic and audiometric data was collected retrospectively for patients reporting otologic symptoms. ResultsBetween May and July 2021, 500 patients were screened. Median age was 56.6 years old, with 59.4 % female and 40.2 % male. 420 patients (84.0 %) were vaccinated, with 58.4 % receiving Pfizer, 29.1 % receiving Moderna, and 3.8 % receiving Johnson & Johnson. 61 patients (14.5 %) reported one or more otologic symptoms within 4 weeks of vaccination, including 21 (5.0 %) with hearing loss, 26 (6.2 %) with tinnitus, 33 (7.9 %) with dizziness, and 19 (4.5 %) with vertigo. Of the 16 patients (3.2 %) reporting tinnitus with no associated hearing loss, 8 were diagnosed with subjective tinnitus and 4 were diagnosed with temporomandibular joint syndrome. Of the 18 patients reporting hearing loss, 11 had exacerbations of underlying pathologies (e.g. Meniere's disease, presbycusis) and 7 were newly diagnosed with SSNHL (1.4 %). ConclusionsPatients reporting otologic symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination received various diagnoses of uncertain etiology. The incidence of SSNHL in these patients is comparable to the general otology patient population. Additional studies are required to determine the incidence of specific diagnoses following vaccination.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss and M\xe9ni\xe8re\u2019s disease: a nationwide cohort study

Several studies have demonstrated the harmful effects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the audiovestibular system. Through a time-to-event analysis, we aimed to compare the association of CKD with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and Ménière’s disease against a control population without CKD. We used a total of 1,025,340 patients from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2013. The CKD group (n = 2572) included patients diagnosed with CKD more than three times between January 2003 and December 2005. The non-CKD group (n = 5144) consisted of two patients without CKD for every patient with CKD. Each patient was monitored until December 2013. We calculated the incidence, survival rate, and hazards ratio (HR) of SSNHL and Ménière’s disease. In the CKD group, the incidence of SSNHL and Ménière’s disease was 1.39 and 3.64 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Patients with CKD showed an adjusted HR of 2.15 and 1.45 for SSNHL and Ménière’s disease, respectively. Middle-aged patients with CKD were associated with a higher incidence of developing SSNHL and Ménière’s disease than those without CKD. Female patients with CKD had a higher risk of developing SSNHL; however, there was no significant difference in the risk of Ménière’s disease in patients with CKD according to sex. Our findings suggest that CKD is associated with an increased incidence of SSNHL and Ménière’s disease. Therefore, audiovestibular surveillance should be considered in patients with CKD.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Guide to Causes, Treatment, Problems, and Coping Strategies

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Guide to Causes, Treatment, Problems, and Coping Strategies Christine Isley-Farmer (bio) CARE OF THE PROFESSIONAL VOICE Acomprehensive description of the various types of hearing loss singers can experience, authored by Drs. Amanda Hu and Robert Sataloff, appears in an earlier issue of the Journal of Singing. In it, the following types of hearing loss are discussed: Conductive (CHL), Sensorineural (SNHL), Mixed (MHL), and Occupational (OHL).1 Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is a designated type of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). This article discusses the definition of SSNHL, causes, treatment, problems resulting from SSNHL onset, and coping strategies during treatment and after treatment. Portions of the article are written from a personal perspective, since I was diagnosed with SSNHL in January 2015 and treated until March 2015. DEFINITION OF SSNHL Unlike many cases of hearing loss that progress over a span of time, SSNHL can manifest within a matter of seconds or progress over several days. Incidence of SSNHL is estimated to be 1 in 5,000 Americans each year.2 Any age group can be affected, but incidence seems to be higher in the fifth and sixth decades of life.3 Onset manifests unilaterally in most cases; bilateral or simultaneous bilateral onset is infrequent.4 Associated symptoms with SSNHL onset are tinnitus (ringing in the ear), aural fullness (plugged ear), and vertigo (dizziness). Loss can be frequency range and pantonal.5 Considered an ear emergency, SSNHL requires early intervention. Patients with this condition have a short window to begin treatment. Delaying treatment for longer than two to four weeks after onset results in irreversible hearing loss.6 In my case, SSNHL onset occurred while practicing singing. Sound in the left ear suddenly became muffled. Inserting a wax solvent into the ear several times did not resolve the plugged feeling by the following morning. Believing there might be embedded wax or water in the ear, I went to a walk-in clinic. Blood pressure had spiked to 150, which was abnormal for me. The nurse said she saw a bit of fluid in the ear but no wax. She prescribed a nasal spray and a course of prednisone in case of infection. I was scheduled to judge a competition for the next two days. During the competition, which was over a weekend, [End Page 75] there was no improvement in hearing. Stressing that hearing had suddenly changed and not returned despite treatment, I was able to get an appointment with an ENT on the fifth day after SSNHL onset. The audiometry results (Figure 1) show speech discrimination as 100% in the right ear. Left ear speech discrimination is 12%. Loss of hearing in the left ear is diagnosed as severe to moderately severe at 90+dB. CAUSES OF SSNHL In a research study of SSNHL published in 2010, researchers divided into two research groups. The first group examined 23 articles in which multiple etiologies (causes) were identified; the majority were idiopathic (unknown cause). The second group evaluated SSNHL patients with specific diagnostic tests. The results revealed 71% of the cases to be idiopathic. Other diagnoses ranged from 2.2% to 12.8%, with infectious disease having the highest percentage after idiopathic. Attempts to pinpoint a specific cause or causes for SSNHL in this study remained unconfirmed.7 Since most causes of SSNHL onset are generally idiopathic, patients may undergo screenings and/or treatment for several possible disorders. They are as follows: viral ear infection, vascular impairment, autoimmune disease, inner ear problems, and central nervous system abnormalities. In the latter, an MRI is the most useful method for identifying temporal bone or intracranial pathology when SSNHL is the primary symptom.8 I was referred to a rheumatologist for testing for autoimmune disease and underwent an MRI after SSNHL diagnosis. SSNHL studies at Radebeul Hospital in Germany from January 2004 to December 2009 led to an interesting discovery. Of 489 SSNHL patients with a male to female ratio of 1:1.24, a slight predominance of left side hearing loss in female as opposed to male patients was discovered. Although the cause was unclear, researchers proposed the slight predominance of sudden deafness in the left ear...

Increased incidence of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with hematological malignancies requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may dramatically alter the immunity of a recipient. Transient immunodeficiency that occurs before and after HSCT could be associated with the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), which is presumed to be often due to viral aetiology. We found an incidence of SSNHL of 29.4 per 10,000 person-years in patients receiving HSCT, 12-fold higher than reported for background population incidence. Development of SSNHL tended to cluster early after diagnosis of haematological malignancies, rather than around date of treatment with HSCT. Increased risk of unilateral SSNHL in patients with haematological malignancy may relate to underlying disease rather than treatment.

Psoriasis Increases the Risk of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Longitudinal Follow Up Study Using a National Sample Cohort.

Psoriasis is a well-known immune-mediated disease. Its autoimmune pathophysiology is consistent with the immune-mediated systemic vascular hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The purpose of our study was to investigate whether psoriasis affects the prevalence of SSNHL in all age groups matched by age, sex, income, and region of residence. Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Samples were collected from 2002 to 2013. A 1:4 matched psoriasis group (n = 12,864) and control group (n = 51,456) were selected. The crude (simple) and adjusted (Charlson comorbidity index) hazard ratios (HR) for psoriasis and SSNHL were analyzed using the stratified Cox proportional hazard model. The incidence of SSNHL was significantly higher in the psoriasis group than in the control group (0.5% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.004). Psoriasis increased the risk of SSNHL (adjusted HR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.90, p = 0.010). In the stratification analysis, the incidence of SSNHL was significantly higher in the 30–59-year-old group than other group SSNHL (adjusted HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.06–2.12, p = 0.023). In addition, SSNHL occurred significantly more frequently in men with psoriasis (adjusted HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.17–2.49, p = 0.006). Psoriasis increased the risk of SSNHL, and SSNHL was more prevalent in between the age of 30–59-year-olds and men with psoriasis.

Pregnancy Does Not Increase the Risk of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A National Cohort Study.

Pregnancy-induced systemic physiological changes appear to be associated with reversible hearing changes in pregnant/postpartum women. However, most studies are case reports due to the rare occurrence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) during pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the risk of SSNHL during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. A longitudinal case-control study using a nationwide population cohort. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, we collected data from 63,331 pregnant/postpartum participants who were matched 1:2 by age, income, region of residence, and medical history with 126,662 control participants. We included participants who had International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes indicating delivery (O80-O84). For SSNHL (ICD-10 code H91.2), we included only those participants who underwent audiometry and were treated with steroids. The incidence of SSNHL was measured for the periods corresponding to pregnancy (conception through delivery) up to 1 year postpartum in the pregnant participants. During the pregnancy period, the SSNHL rate was not higher (19.5 per 100,000) compared with the control group (60.7 per 100,000). The adjusted odds ratio of SSNHL during pregnancy was 0.32 (95% confidence interval: 0.16-0.65, P = .002). The SSNHL rate during the postpartum period (37.9 per 100,000) was similar to that of the control group (36.3 per 100,000). The adjusted odds ratio of SSNHL during the postpartum period was 1.04 (95% confidence interval: 0.64-1.71, P = .867). The risk of SSNHL in the patients during the pregnancy/postpartum period was not higher than that in controls, regardless of age and specific subperiod. The pregnant and postpartum women were not at higher risk of SSNHL. NA Laryngoscope, 130:E237-E242, 2020.

Risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with dysrhythmia: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

ObjectiveWhether dysrhythmia is a risk factor of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk of developing SSNHL among patients with dysrhythmia in different age and gender groups by using population-based data in Taiwan.MethodsWe conducted a matched cohort study by analyzing data between January 2000 and December 2013 obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. 41,842 newly diagnosed dysrhythmia patients and 83,684 comparison subjects without dysrhythmia were selected from claims. The incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss at the end of 2013 was determined in both groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the risk of SSNHL among patients with dysrhythmia.ResultsThe incidence of SSNHL was 1.30-fold higher in the dysrhythmia group compared with the control group (53.2 versus 40.9 per 100,000 person-years), and using Cox proportional hazard regressions, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–1.70). Gender-stratified analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of SSNHL in patients with dysrhythmia than in those without dysrhythmia for both men and women (HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.02–1.76, P = 0.039, HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.78, P = 0.035, respectively). Age-stratified analysis revealed remarkable associations between dysrhythmia and SSNHL among those aged less than 40 years and more than 65 years (HR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.03–4.64, P = 0.043 and HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.14–2.09, P = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings support dysrhythmia as an independent risk factor for SSNHL. Based on the study results, clinicians managing patients with dysrhythmia should be aware of the increased risk of developing SSNHL, especially among patients aged <40 and >65 years, and counsel patients to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any acute change in their hearing ability.

Increased incidence in hospitalised patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a 14-year nationwide population-based study

Objective: To conduct a 14-year nationwide study on the epidemiologic incidence in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).Design: Retrospective cross-sectional design.Study sample: Data of patients hospitalised with the diagnosis of SSNHL from 2000 to 2013, extracted from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.Results: In total, 31,258 patients were included. The mean age was 50.30 ± 16.70 years. Males (53.5%) were more commonly diagnosed with SSNHL than females (46.5%). The patients most commonly presented with SSNHL were in the age group of 45–64 years. The crude incidence of SSNHL from 2000 to 2013 was 9.76 per 100,000 people per year. The annual incidence rate shows a steady increased from 5.15 in 2000 to 13.97 per 100,000 people in 2013 with a statistical significance (p < 0.001).Conclusion: This 14-year nationwide study indicated an increased incidence rate of SSNHL. This necessitates the development of additional treatment modalities to enhance the prognosis and the clarification of the underlying mechanism of this enigmatic disease.

The Role of Autoimmunity in the Pathogenesis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a clinically common acute symptom in otolaryngology. Although the incidence of SSHL has increased around the world in recent years, the etiology of the disease is still unclear. It has been reported that infections, ototoxic drugs, membrane labyrinth rupture, carcinomas, circulatory system diseases, autoimmune diseases, brain lesions, mental diseases, congenital or inherited diseases, and so on, are all risk factors for SSHL. Here, we discuss the autoimmune mechanisms behind SSHL, which might be induced by type II–IV allergic reactions. We also introduce the main immunosuppressive medications that have been used to treat SSHL, which will help us to identify potential targets for immune therapy.

Increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with hepatitis virus infection.

The etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains unclear. Possible causes of SSNHL include vascular diseases, viral infection, and autoimmune disorders. Therefore, we investigated whether hepatitis virus infection is correlated with the risk of SSNHL. Using data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, we conducted a retrospective matched-cohort study to compare patients diagnosed with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV/HCV) infections from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010, (N = 170,942) with frequency-matched controls (N = 512,826) at a ratio of 1:3 by sex, age, and index year. We followed each patient until the end of 2010 and evaluated the incidence of SSNHL. At the end of the follow-up period, 647 (0.38%, 647/170,942) patients developed SSNHL in the HBV/HCV group compared with 978 (0.19%, 978/512,826) in the control groups, with a statistical significance of P < 0.001 (using the log-rank test). The incidence rate ratio of SSNHL was 5.743-fold higher in the HBV/HCV group than in the control group (283.17 vs. 49.31 per 100,000 person-years, P < 0.001). The risk of SSNHL increased with HBV/HCV infection, and an adjusted hazard ratio of 5.103 (95% CI, 4.585–5.678) was determined using Cox proportional hazards regression. This study contributes to the awareness of the increased risk of SSNHL in HBV/HCV-infected populations. Our findings suggest that an underlying viral infection contributes to the development of SSNHL.

Risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in stroke patients: A 5-year nationwide investigation of 44,460 patients.

Poststroke sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can hinder communication between patients and healthcare professionals, thereby restricting participation in rehabilitation programs and limiting improvements in physical performance. However, the relationship between stroke and SSNHL remains unclear. This study employed a nationwide population-based dataset to investigate the relationship between stroke and SSNHL.The Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database was used to compile data from 11,115 stroke patients and a comparison cohort of 33,345 matched nonstroke enrollees. Each patient was followed for 5 years to identify new-onset SSNHL. Stratified Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis was used to examine the association of stroke with subsequent SSNHL.Among the 44,460 patients, 66 patients (55,378 person-years) from the stroke cohort and 105 patients (166,586 person-years) from the comparison cohort were diagnosed with SSNHL. The incidence of SSNHL was approximately twice as high among stroke patients than among nonstroke patients (1.19 and 0.63/1000 person-years, respectively). Stroke patients had a 71% increased risk of SSNHL, compared with nonstroke patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–2.36). We also observed a remarkable increase in risk of SSNHL in stroke patients within 1-year of follow-up (adjusted HR 5.65, 95% CI 3.07–10.41) or under steroid therapy during hospitalization (adjusted HR 5.14, 95% CI 2.08–12.75).Patients with stroke had a higher risk of subsequent SSNHL compared with patients without stroke. In particular, stroke patients within 1-year follow-up and those undergoing steroid therapy during hospitalization should be treated with the utmost caution, considering that the risk of SSNHL increases by more than 5-fold.

Pregnancy is not a risk factor for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A nationwide population-based study

Conclusion Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in pregnancy is rare. It usually occurs in the third trimester. SSNHL in pregnancy does not increase risks during delivery or subsequent stroke.Objectives This study aimed to investigate the incidence and to determine the factors associated with SSNHL in pregnancy.Method Data were retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD), covering the years 2000–2009. Patients admitted for SSNHL during pregnancy were enrolled. An age-matched controlled cohort was randomly selected from pregnant women without SSNHL in the NHIRD. The clinical characteristics of both cohorts were collected for further analyses.Results Thirty-three patients with SSNHL in pregnancy were enrolled. The estimated incidence of SSNHL in pregnancy in Taiwan was 2.71 per 100,000 pregnancies. The incidence of SSNHL in pregnancy was lower than that of the general female population. The incidence of SSNHL in the third trimester was higher compared to the other two. The incidence of SSNHL occurring in the 30–39 years old age group was higher than other groups. Women with better socioeconomic status had a higher incidence of SSNHL. There were no identified systemic diseases before SSNHL. Two patients had pre-eclampsia and one patient had premature delivery. Nevertheless, SSNHL in pregnancy did not increase the risk for stroke.

Higher risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with chronic otitis media.

Several sources have suggested an association between chronic sensory hearing impairment and chronic otitis media (COM). However, to our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with COM (COM-positive). To examine the risk of developing SSNHL in COM-positive patients. This was a retrospective cohort study; we compared 10 248 patients with newly diagnosed COM from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2008, with 30 744 age- and sex-matched controls using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We followed each patient and evaluated the incidence of SSNHL. The incidence of SSNHL at the end of 2011. The incidence of SSNHL was 3 times higher in the COM-positive cohort than in the COM-negative cohort (14.47 vs 4.83 per 10 000 person-years). Cox proportional hazard regressions showed that the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) was 3.02 (95% CI, 2.30-3.98). A stratified analysis showed that the highest risk of developing SSNHL was in the first follow-up year (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 3.87; 95% CI, 1.93-7.79). Thereafter, the risk declined during years 1 to 5 and then peaked (IRR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.89-4.79). Patients who needed surgery had a higher incidence of SSNHL (AHR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.62-4.48) compared with patients who needed only medication and observation. Chronic otitis media was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing SSNHL.

Risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with psoriasis: a retrospective cohort study.

Psoriasis, a common immune-mediated disease, affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) might be a manifestation of systemic vascular involvement in autoimmune disease. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no systematic English-language examination of the risk of SSNHL in patients with psoriasis. We tested the hypothesis that psoriasis is a risk factor for developing SSNHL. Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare patients diagnosed with psoriasis from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2006 (n=28,817) with gender-, age-, and comorbidities-matched controls (n=28,817). We followed each patient until the end of 2011 and evaluated the incidence of SSNHL for at least 6 years after the initial psoriasis diagnosis. The incidence of SSNHL was 1.51 times higher in the psoriasis cohort than in the control cohort (7.12 vs 4.73 per 10,000 person-years). Using Cox proportional hazard regressions, the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) was 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.93). Comorbid hypertension was an independent risk factor for SSNHL (AHR 1.49; 95% CI 1.05-2.13). However, the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for each comorbidity subgroup in the psoriasis and control cohorts were not significantly different. Psoriasis was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing SSNHL. We suggest that physicians advise patients with psoriasis to seek medical attention if they have hearing impairments, because they may also have a higher risk of developing SSNHL.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in Japan

Conclusion: An epidemiological survey of hospitals and private clinics in Japan regarding idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) revealed that the incidence of SSNHL was 60.9 per 100 000 population. There were more females than males in the younger generation. Objective: The incidence of SSNHL varies largely by country. Because the Japanese criteria for diagnosing SSNHL have changed in accordance with those widely used in other parts of the world, a clinicoepidemiological study was undertaken using the new criteria. Methods: Ehime, Aichi, and Iwate Prefectures were selected from the western, central, and northeastern regions of Japan, respectively. The subjects for this study were patients who suffered SSNHL between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Questionnaires were mailed to all hospitals and private clinics in which ENT doctors were working. Initial and final audiograms were requested for 10% of the patients. Results: In all, 78 of 90 hospitals (87%) and 303 of 407 private clinics (74%) responded. It was reported that 1663 patients visited hospitals and 3090 patients visited only private clinics. It was estimated that 6205 SSNHL patients visited hospitals or private clinics in 1 year from a population of 10 145 000. Also, 23% of patients suffered acute low-tone SNHL (female to male ratio; 3:1 in definite cases).

Incidence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Recent data regarding the incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in the United States is lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the current day incidence of SSNHL in the United States using data from a medical and pharmaceutical claims database containing information for more than 60 million unique patients. Population-based cross-sectional analysis. Inpatient and outpatient. Patients in the database are reported to be representative of the national, commercially insured population on a variety of demographic measures including age, sex, health plan type, and geographic location. During 2006 and 2007, the annual incidence of SSNHL was 27 per 100,000 in the United States. The incidence increased with increasing age, ranging from 11 per 100,000 for patients younger than 18 years to 77 per 100,000 for patients 65 years and older. There was an overall slight male preponderance with a male-to-female ratio of 1.07:1. This was more pronounced in patients 65 years and older, with a ratio of 1.30:1. More than 66,000 new cases of SSNHL are seen annually in the United States. The disorder is more common in men and the elderly.

Risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A population‐based cohort study

The purpose of this study was to explore the risk of developing of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A population-based, retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was conducted. From 2001 to 2006, 9121 patients with newly diagnosed NPC and 45,605 comparison subjects without NPC were selected. The incidence of SSHL at the end of 2009 was determined. The incidence of SSHL was 6.53-fold higher in the NPC group compared to the non-NPC group (p < .001). Using Cox proportional hazard regressions, the risk of developing SSHL increased with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 6.747 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.366-8.484) in patients with NPC compared with patients without NPC. NPC was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing SSHL. The risk of developing SSHL increased over follow-up time.