Prognosis Of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Research Articles

Association of Metabolic Syndrome or Weather Conditions with the Severity and Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

It is reported that sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is closely related to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. While the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease that includes diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, which are known to be associated with SSNHL. Weather conditions have long been known to affect the SSNHL. This study aimed to make a clear connection between MetS, or weather conditions, and the severity and prognosis of SSNHL. 127 SSNHL patients have been divided into the MetS group and the non-MetS group, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of the 2 groups have been analyzed retrospectively. There were 52 (40.9%) patients in the MetS group, while there were 75 (59.1%) patients in the non-MetS group. The rate of vertigo, hypertension, diabetes, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, high triglyceride (TG), and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 (kg/m2 ) were significantly higher in the MetS group than those in non-MetS group. Vertigo, hypertension, and Mets were linked to the severity of hearing loss. The rate of complete recovery and partial recovery in the MetS group was clearly lower than that in non-MetS group. According to the multivariate analysis, MetS was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis of SSNHL; a high ambient temperature difference at onset and hypertension were correlated with a poor prognosis. These results demonstrate that the severity and prognosis of SSNHL can be influenced by the MetS. High ambient temperature differences at onset and hypertension were indicators of a poor prognosis for SSNHL.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the Covid-19 pandemic; experience of a tertiary referral center

ObjectiveThis study aimed to highlight the differences in the clinical management and treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) due to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. MethodsThis study compared patients diagnosed with SSNHL between March 2020 and March 2022, following the first reported case of COVID-19 in our country, with patients diagnosed between March 2018 and March 2020. The evaluation encompassed demographic characteristics, comorbidities, other ear-related complaints, hearing loss thresholds at each frequency, medical treatment administered, treatment duration, and post-treatment follow-up audiograms. ResultsThe demographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients before and during the pandemic showed similar distribution. There was no significant difference in the duration from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission during the pandemic compared to the previous period. When evaluating the treatment responses of hospitalized and treated patients according to Siegel's criteria during the pandemic, a similar trend to the pre-pandemic period was observed. It was noted that the use of systemic steroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy decreased during the pandemic period, while the use of antivirals increased. ConclusionsIn our study conducted as a reference center, we want to emphasize that no clear data indicating a relationship between COVID-19 infection and NHL. Also, we believe that COVID-19 infection does not affect the course and prognosis of SSNHL.

The Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on the Incidence, Severity, and Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL): A Systematic Review.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is believed to be mainly idiopathic since the cause is not usually identified. Several recent studies have examined the role of cardiovascular risk factors in this disease.The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate the possible association between acquired and inherited cardiovascular risk factors and the incidence, severity, and prognosis of SSHL. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of the PubMed database for the period between February 2010 and January 2023 was performed in order to retrieve eligible articles. The analytic cohort included 24 studies. Overall, this systematic review includes a total of 61,060 patients that were encompassed in these studies. According to most studies, the prevalence of dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and ultrasound indices of atherosclerosis was significantly higher in SSHL patients compared to controls. On the other hand, obesity, hypertension, and smoking did not seem to influence the risk of SSHL. Most studies suggest the presence of a correlation between a high cardiovascular risk profile and the risk of developing SSHL. The theory of microvascular impairment in the development of SSHL is indirectly supported by the findings of this review.

Complete blood count changes in sudden sensorineural hearing loss caused by Streptococcus suis bacterial meningitis at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar from January 2019 – May 2023

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an emergency case that requires immediate and comprehensive management. This condition can be caused by Streptococcus suis bacterial meningitis. Complete blood counts (CBC) examinations are often carried out in SSNHL patients that caused by infection. Some CBC components can be clinical indicators of the severity and prognosis of SSNHL. Objective: To find out the differences in CBC among S. suis bacterial meningitis patients with SSNHL and S. suis bacterial meningitis patients with normal hearing at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar from January 2019 – May 2023. Methods: This study used an analytical research design using a retrospective case control method to compare CBC results (hematocrit, NLR, PLR, MLR, RDW and MPV) in 40 cases patients with SSNHL due to S. suis bacterial meningitis and 40 controls patients with S. suis bacterial meningitis patients with normal hearing. Result: In this study, it was found that there is no significant difference between case group compared to control group in terms of CBC results. The mean hematocrit value was 40.67 (± 4.45) in cases and 40.87 (± 4.08) in controls, with p-value 0.842. The mean MPV value was 9.82 (± 1.58) in cases and 9.33 (± 1.78) in controls, with p-value 0.200. The mean NLR value in the case group was 24.46, while in the control group it was 28.79, with p-value 0.124. The mean PLR value in the case group was 200.01, while in the control group it was 247.80, with p-value 0.126. The mean MLR value was 1.33 in cases and 1.19 in controls, with p-value 0.303. The mean RDW value was 12.98 in cases and 12.81 in controls, with p-value 0.950. Conclusion: From 40 people suffering SSNHL due to S. suis bacterial meningitis it was found that most of research subjects are men (75%) and the average age of subjects is 53 years. This study found that there were no significant differences between the results of mean hematocrit, NLR, PLR, MLR, RDW and MPV in patients with SSNHL due to S. suis bacterial meningitis compared to controls.

The Association Between Dehydration and the Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

There is an urgent need to identify undetermined risk factors for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) for the development of effective treatment strategies. SSNHL is likely associated with vascular insufficiency; however, no study has evaluated the relationship between dehydration and SSNHL. This study aimed to investigate the role of dehydration in the development and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Retrospective case-control study. Secondary referral hospital. This was a comparative study that compared dehydration parameters between healthy subjects without SSNHL (n = 94) and patients with SSNHL (n = 94). The study also evaluated the effect of dehydrated conditions on the prognosis of SSNHL. We compared dehydration parameters, such as the blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio (BUN/Cre) and plasma osmolality (Posm), between matched healthy subjects without SSNHL and patients with SSNHL. To evaluate the effect of dehydrated conditions on the SSNHL prognosis, the SSNHL patients were divided into 2 groups based on the cutoff value obtained from the receiver operating characteristic analysis: hydrated (n = 50; BUN/Cre <21.4) and dehydrated (n = 44; BUN/Cre ≥21.4) groups. Subsequently, the severity and prognosis of SSNHL were analyzed. The dehydration parameters, BUN/Cre and Posm, were significantly higher in patients with SSNHL than in healthy subjects. The initial hearing levels and SSNHL grades were worse in the dehydrated group than in the hydrated group. Moreover, a dehydrated condition (BUN/Cre ≥21.4) was associated with a poor SSNHL prognosis in all models of the multiple logistic regression analysis. The dehydration parameters of BUN/Cre and Posm were higher in patients with SSNHL than in healthy subjects. Additionally, a dehydrated condition (BUN/Cre ≥21.4) was an independent prognostic factor for SSNHL. Level of evidence: Level 4.

The Role of Fibrinogen, Homocysteine and Metabolic Syndrome's Alterations in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL): A Narrative Review.

Fibrinogen and homocysteine (HCY) are molecules known to play a role in vascular homeostasis, and their blood levels are often elevated in patients with metabolic syndrome. Recent evidence suggests that sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) may have a vascular origin. This has led many authors to advocate that fibrinogen, homocysteine, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) may play a direct role in SSHL. The aim of this brief review is to examine the role and influence of these molecules and MetS on the mechanisms of SSHL. Elevated fibrinogen levels have been associated with a worse prognosis in SSHL, possibly due to increased blood viscosity and decreased blood flow. Similarly, HCY has been associated with vascular damage, particularly in hyperhomocysteinemia, although the exact association with SSHL remains controversial. MetS has been demonstrated to function both as a causative factor and as a contributor to poorer recovery in cases of SSHL. However, although some studies suggest a possible role for these biomarkers and MetS in the prognosis and treatment of SSHL, specific therapeutic and preventive strategies based solely on these factors have yet to be developed. Given their potential role in prognosis and treatment and the global epidemic of metabolic syndrome, this issue needs to be analyzed comprehensively. Thus, further quality studies need to be conducted, even though it is difficult to determine the actual impact of MetS on the development of SSHL, as it is a multifactorial disease affecting multiple organs.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in single-sided deafness patients.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) is rare. The prognosis of the sole serviceable hearing ear is very important for these patients. However, the clinical characteristics and prognosis of SSNHL in SSD patients are not well-documented. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of SSNHL in SSD patients. Clinical data of 36 SSD patients and 116 non-SSD patients with unilateral SSNHL from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The clinical characteristics of the SSD patients were analyzed. All SSD patients were treated with intratympanic steroids plus intravenous steroids. Pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) before and after treatment were recorded. The hearing recovery of SSNHL in SSD patients in comparison with non-SSD patients was explored. Auditory outcomes in SSD patients with different etiologies were also compared. Initial hearing threshold showed no significant differences between the SSD group and the non-SSD group (66.41 ± 24.64 dB HL vs. 69.21 ± 31.48 dB HL, p = 0.625). The SSD group had a higher post-treatment hearing threshold (median (interquartile range, IQR) 53.13(36.56) dB HL) than the non-SSD group (median 32.50(47.5) dB HL, p < 0.01). Hearing gains (median 8.75(13.00) dB) and the rate of significant recovery (13.89%) were lower in the SSD group than in the non-SSD group (median 23.75(34.69) dB, 45.69%). The etiology of SSD was classified as SSNHL, special types of infection, chronic otitis media, and unknown causes. SSNHL accounted for the maximum proportion (38.9%) of causes of SSD in the SSD group. Hearing gains were lower in the SSNHL-SSD group than in other causes of the SSD group. A binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that SSD serves as an indicator of unfavorable hearing recovery outcomes (OR = 5.264, p < 0.01). The prognosis of SSNHL in SSD patients is unsatisfactory. SSNHL accounts for the maximum proportion of causes of SSD in this group of patients. For SSD patients caused by SSNHL, less hearing improvement after treatment was expected when SSNHL occurred in the contralateral ear in comparison with SSD patients with other causes.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Metabolic Disorders in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB or greater on at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies occurring within a 72 h period. Although SSNHL is commonly encountered in clinical audiology and otolaryngology practice, its etiopathogenesis continues to be poorly understood. Scientific investigations have highlighted the vulnerability of cochlear microcirculation to blood flow alterations. Even mild hypoperfusion can lead to immediate dysfunction in the organ of Corti, given the heightened susceptibility of cochlear hair cells to hypoxia and ischemic damage. The purpose of this review paper is to present evidence of endothelial and vascular involvement in SSNHL and the risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, that may negatively impact the inner ear's vascular supply, influencing the onset pattern, incidence, and prognosis of SSNHL. By addressing these variables, we can deepen our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying SSNHL and potentially uncover strategies for prevention.

Association of sudden sensorineural hearing loss and its prognosis with the brain white matter hyperintensity

Objective:To explore the relationship between white matter hyperintensity（WMH） and sudden sensorineural hearing loss（SSHL） and evaluate the influence of WMH on the prognosis of SSHL. Methods:Fifty hospitalized unilateral SSHL patients and 50 age and gender matched routine physical examination individuals without SSHL history from June 2019 to June 2020 were included for a case-control study. All included subjects underwent 3.0 Tesla cranial magnetic resonance examination, and the Fazekas scale was applied to evaluate periventricular white matter hyperintense（PVWMH） and deep white matter hyperintense（DWMH）. Fazekas score and distribution proportions of Fazekas score was compared between SSHL and control. Ordered logistic regression was used to study the relationship between prognosis of SSHL and WMH. Results:The Fazekas score of WMH in SSHL group was significantly higher than that of control group（PVWMH: P=0.004, DWMH: P=0.010）; There was a significant difference in the distribution proportions of Fazekas scores between SSHL and control（PVWMH: P=0.036, DWMH: P=0.047）; The results of ordered logistic regression showed that patients without WMH（Fazekas=0） is an independent predictor of good prognosis in SSHL（P=0.025, OR=12.779）. Conclusion:The prevalence of WMH in SSHL patients was higher than that of control. SSHL patients without WMH has a better prognosis than those with WMH.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic inflammatory factor in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objectives: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has recently been investigated in terms of chronic inflammation. In this study, the associations of immunologic inflammatory factors (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and hematologic inflammatory factors (white blood cell [WBC] count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR]) with prognosis of SSNHL were evaluated. Methods: Fifteen patients with SSNHL were prospectively enrolled and followed. For the analysis of the prognostic factors for SSNHL, the patients were divided into two groups according to the final hearing threshold of the affected ear: ‘complete or partial recovery group’ and ‘slight improvement or no recovery group’. The CRP, ESR, WBC count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, NLR, and PLR obtained at the initial visit were compared. Results There were no significant differences in CRP, ESR, WBC count, and PLR between the two groups. In contrast, neutrophil percentage and NLR were significantly lower in the complete or partial recovery group than in the slight improvement or no recovery group ( p = 0.005 and 0.013, respectively). Lymphocyte percentage was significantly higher in the complete or partial recovery group than in the slight improvement or no recovery group ( p = 0.019). Conclusion NLR may be a useful prognostic inflammatory biomarker of SSNHL. Further evaluation of the association of immunologic and hematologic inflammatory factors with the prognosis of SSNHL is necessary with respect to inflammation to reveal additional significant biomarkers because inflammation is related to SSNHL.

Association of Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1c Level With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Study.

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level has strong relevance to microvascular disorders, which are also thought to be the current main aspect of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), so we aim to elucidate the association of the HbA1c level with the severity, types, and prognosis of SSNHL. In this study, comparative analyses based on propensity score matching of the severity, types, and prognosis of SSNHL with the HbA1c level in 116 patients diagnosed as SSNHL were conducted, where they were divided into diabetes mellitus (DM) group and non-DM group. We finally found that, among patients with SSNHL, diabetic patients had a higher HbA1c level, more severe hearing loss, and poorer prognosis than non-diabetic patients. The HbA1c level was found to be significantly correlated with the severity and types of SSNHL, while no strong relevance was found between the higher HbA1c level and the poorer prognosis of SSNHL.

Identification of dyslipidemia as a risk factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A multicenter case-control study.

BackgroundRecently, several studies have reported an association between lipid profiles and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), yet there is considerable variability between the individual studies in defining the precise association between serum lipids levels and SSNHL. This study sought to identify a possible relationship between dyslipidemia and the prevalence and prognosis of SSNHL.MethodsA case‐control study was carried out at two independent medical centers, including 2,288 SSNHL patients and 2,288 healthy controls. Clinical characteristics and serum lipid parameters were assessed, including total cholesterol (CHOL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (Trig), apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein a (Lpa). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between lipid profiles and SSNHL in the 4,576 subjects.ResultsSignificant differences were identified in several conventional serum lipid markers including CHOL, Trig, HDL, LDL, ApoAI, ApoB, and Lpa, between SSNHL patients and healthy controls. Serum ApoAI levels were significantly lower in patients with bilateral SSNHL compared to unilateral SSNHL. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher levels of ApoB, LDL, Trig, and lower levels of ApoAI and HDL were all associated with an increased risk of SSNHL. After clinical characterization, multivariate analysis showed that only low levels of ApoB predicted likelihood of a recovery of more than 30 dB among patients with SSNHL.ConclusionsSerum lipids are associated with the incidence and prognosis of SSNHL. Identification of dyslipidemia may improve early evaluation and management of SSNHL risks.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the association between MetS and prognosis of SSNHL. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register electronic databases from their dates of conception to February 4, 2020. We included observational studies analyzing 1) the prevalence of MetS among SSNHL patients, or 2) the prognosis of SSNHL patients in MetS patients. A standardized form was completed in duplicate extracting data on study characteristics, participant demographics, and SSNHL outcome or recovery measures. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed pooling odds ratios using the generic inverse method. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Three studies examining the prevalence of MetS among patients with SSNHL (11,890 total participants; 3,034 SSNHL participants) yielded a significantly increased risk of MetS among SSNHL, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.01-3.50). Three studies examining the association of SSNHL prognosis in patients with MetS (608 SSNHL participants, 234 concomitant SSNHL, and MetS participants) demonstrated that SSNHL patients with MetS were significantly more likely to have poorer recovery compared to SSNHL patients without MetS (pooled odds ratio 2.77; 95% CI, 2.33-3.28). Our findings suggest an association between prevalence of MetS and SSNHL, as well as poorer prognosis of SSNHL in patients with concomitant MetS.

Usefulness of vertebrobasilar artery radiological finding as a predictive and prognostic factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

ObjectiveThe association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and radiological findings of the vertebrobasilar artery is not well-known and little research has been done. We hypothesized that the radiological features of the vertebrobasilar artery contribute to the incidence and prognosis of SSNHL. MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with unilateral SSNHL (SSNHL group) and those with acute vestibular neuritis (AVN; control group) in our hospital. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. We measured the following parameters on the radiological images: basilar artery diameter, direction and distance of basilar artery deviation, direction and distance of vertebral artery deviation, and incidence of vertebral artery obstruction. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was performed in all patients. Follow up PTA between 1 week and 1 month after treatment was performed in the SSNHL group. ResultsA total of 244 SSNHL patients and 62 AVN patients were included in the analysis. Age, body mass index, and basilar artery diameter were found to be significantly associated with SSNHL. In the SSNHL group, patients were divided into three subgroups based on the consistency between the basilar artery deviation site and disease site. No significant difference was noted in initial PTA, final PTA, PTA recovery, and symptom improvement among the three groups. In case of the basilar artery, when the deviation and disease sites were in the opposite direction and the basilar artery diameter was >3.5 mm, diameter of basilar artery was positively correlated with PTA recovery. ConclusionsThe strength of this study is that radiological evaluation of the vertebrobasilar artery was performed. Further research on the association between SSNHL and radiological features of the vertebrobasilar artery should be conducted to emphasize the importance of vascular assessment in SSNHL.

Ortalama trombosit hacminin lenfosit sayısına oranı: İdiopatik ani sensörinöral işitme kaybında yeni bir belirteç

Objective: To investigate the value of mean platelet volume (MPV) to lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR), a novel marker, in determining the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Material and Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study study included the patient group consisting of 65 SSNHL and the control group consisting of 50 healthy individuals. 65 patients with SSNHL were divided into two subgroups as 44 recovered patients and 21 unrecovered patients. The SSHNL patients and the control group, and the recovered SSNHL patients and the unrecovered SSNHL patients were compared statistically in terms of MPV, lymphocyte count and MPVLR. Result(s): The mean MPV value was 9.28 ± 0.99 fL in the patients and 9.25 ±0.82 fL in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0,851). The mean lymphocyte count was 1.90 ± 1.02 in the study group and 2.55± 0.78 in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.001). The mean MPVLR value was 6.44 ± 4.14 in the study group and 4.03 ± 1.62 in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p<0,05). Conclusion(s): MPVLR is an easily accessible marker and levels are increased by severity of the disease. The lymphocyte count is also declined according to the severity of the disease. These results showed that MPVLR and lymphocyte count can help to predict the SSNHL prognosis. With future studies, the value of MPVLR in the prognosis of SSNHL may be better understood.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Post-irradiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Survivors.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) may occur in post-irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) survivors with a rare rate. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of this population. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary otology referral center. Five hundred ninety nine SSNHL patients were recruited between January 2010 and January 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: NPC group (n = 24) and non-NPC group (n = 575). All SSNHL patients were diagnosed by pure tone audiometry and treated with steroids, blood flow promoting agents, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognosis of post-irradiated SSNHL and identified prognostic factors by logistic regression analysis. In the NPC group, the initial hearing threshold, contralateral hearing threshold, rate of vertigo, rate of profound hearing loss were all higher than in the non-NPC group (p < 0.05). Hearing gains and the rate of good recovery (both complete recovery and partial recovery) were lower in the NPC group than in the non-NPC group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that NPC was significantly associated with poor hearing recovery (OR = 3.499, p = 0.040), and that a higher initial hearing threshold and longer treatment delay time were related to a poor prognosis (p < 0.05). SSNHL occurred in post-irradiated NPC survivors often suffered a severe hearing loss with a high rate of accompanying vertigo. NPC may have an adverse impact on the prognosis of SSNHL, and higher initial hearing threshold and longer treatment delay time were indicators of poor hearing recovery.

Relationship between the drainage pattern of the dural venous sinuses and hearing recovery in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Although cochlear venous insufficiency has been considered to cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), there is insufficient clinical evidence to support this hypothesis. We sought to determine whether there is a correlation between draining patterns of the dural venous sinuses and the side of the affected ear in SSHL, as well as hearing recovery. The medical records of 109 patients diagnosed with unilateral SSHL were retrospectively reviewed. Magnetic resonance images and pure tone audiometry were performed in all patients. We measured the dominance of the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) and transverse-sigmoid sinus (TS/SS) ipsilateral to the affected ear. Most patients were characterized by asymmetric venous drainage (IPS, 53.2%; TS/SS, 81.7%). The dominant side of the IPS or TS/SS was independent of the side of the affected ear for all patients in this study. However, in 35 patients with early recovery within 2 weeks, the dominant side of TS/SS was significantly associated with the side of the affected ear (p = 0.011). Moreover, the dominance of both the IPS and TS/SS influenced hearing outcomes at 3 months. Dominant TS/SS ipsilateral to the affected ear, particularly in the presence of ipsilateral hypoplastic IPS, is associated with a favorable hearing prognosis of SSHL.

Does 125-Hz Pure-Tone Thresholds Have Prognostic Value in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Vertigo?

Objectives: To analyze 125-Hz pure-tone thresholds in dizzy patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to investigate the relationship between 125-Hz thresholds and the prognosis of SSNHL with vertigo. Methods: Hearing and vestibular function tests including 125-Hz pure-tone were performed in 132 patients with SSNHL and 65 subjects with normal hearing. Audiometric follow-up was performed at 6 months after initial visit. Intergroup and intragroup comparison of 125 Hz was made between SSNHL and control groups. Results: Twenty-four patients (18.2%) had normal thresholds at 125 Hz in SSNHL group, whereas all subjects showed normal at 125 Hz in control group. None with average hearing threshold at 250 and 500 Hz≥30 dB had normal threshold at 125 Hz. There was no significant relationship between 125-Hz threshold and results of vestibular function test. There was no correlation between 125-Hz threshold and hearing recovery in SSNHL group. Conclusions: There might be no need to assess 125-Hz pure-tone threshold in patients with SSNHL, because it is enough to evaluate thresholds of 250 and 500 Hz for low frequency. Keywords: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss; Pure-tone audiometry; Auditory threshold 중심 단어: ëŒë°œì„±ê°ê°ì‹ ê²½ë‚œì²­, ìˆœìŒì²­ë ¥ê²€ì‚¬, 청각 역치

Treatment algorithm for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss based on epidemiologic surveys of a large Japanese cohort

Background: To date, there have been few conventional algorithms for the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), as there have been only limited reports with high evidence levels.Objectives: To propose an evidence- and trend-based treatment algorithm for SSNHL.Methods: We referred not only to the evidence for each treatment, but also to trends related to treatment selection in Japan based on epidemiologic surveys, and considered the balance of the advantages and disadvantages with regard to each patient’s condition.Results: We propose an algorithm that begins with the grade of SSNHL severity as the prognosis of SSNHL is strongly related to the severity of hearing loss. We selected systemic corticosteroid therapy as the first-line therapy, and Intra-tympanic corticosteroid therapy as salvage therapy. We also proposed the use of prostaglandin E1 with corticosteroids for the treatment of SSNHL patients with severe hearing loss. According to the data obtained from an epidemiologic survey, we decided time limits for the application of each treatment.Conclusion: An algorithm for the treatment for SSNHL is presented according to the results of epidemiologic surveys in Japan. It is expected that this algorithm can provide a guide to choosing the suitable treatment for SSNHL patients.

Clinical management and progress in sudden sensorineural hearing loss during pregnancy.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a relatively rare, but distressing, disease in pregnant women. Little is known about the causes, clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognosis of SSNHL. Some hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathophysiological mechanism of SSNHL, but most of them have not been identified. This article reviews the existing literature to present a summary of this clinical problem. Most patients suffer from SSNHL in the second or third trimester, and show moderate to profound hearing loss. The interval between the initial treatment and onset of hearing loss is less than 10 days in most patients. Some patients with SSNHL show tinnitus, vertigo, or dizziness, and fullness of the ear. Although some patients have a tendency for self-cure, treatment with intravenous dextran 40 combined with intratympanic corticosteroids is probably a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for pregnant patients with SSNHL. Further clinical research is necessary to identify the best therapeutic strategy for these patients.