A Follow-up Study of Patients Suffering from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (S-SNHL) is a common problem with a high recovery rate. However, little is known of the long-term prognosis of affected patients. The purpose of this follow-up study was to evaluate the long-term hearing results of S-SNHL patients. The sample consisted of 168 patients with S-SNHL treated with carbogen inhalation and/or anticoagulant therapy during the period 1982-89. A questionnaire was sent to these patients, and audiological investigations were carried out in a selection of these patients in 1997. Comparison of the different treatment methods showed that the difference observed in improvement of hearing was statistically significant between the carbogen inhalation and anticoagulant treatment groups. The hearing improvement achieved was stable for, on average, 8 years of follow-up. During the follow-up period, Ménière's disease was diagnosed in only 1 of the 116 patients who answered the questionnaire and no cases of acoustic neurinoma were diagnosed, indicating that establishment of a careful patient history and clinical and audiological investigations are sufficient for the diagnosis of S-SNHL. In general, the hearing improvement achieved in S-SNHL patients is stable during long-term follow-up.

Long-term administration of vitamin B12 and adenosine triphosphate for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective study

“…The findings of the present study indicated that the initial hearing threshold and initial grade of HL were useful prognostic factors, consistent with the findings of a previous study (Kuhn et al, 2011). With respect to the treatment period after ISSNHL onset, it has been reported that hearing remained relatively stable after a period of 2-3 months from symptom onset (Kallinen et al, 2001;Kanzaki, Taiji & Ogawa, 1988;Psifidis, Psillas & Daniilidis, 2006). It is possible that the period of 2 months could be consistent with the natural history of the disease, regardless of which therapeutic strategy is applied.…”

Improvement in word recognition following treatment failure for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

“… 2 , 3 In addition to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), patients can report aural fullness, tinnitus, and vestibular symptoms. 4 , 5 , 6 One of the leading theories regarding the etiology of SSNHL includes an inflammatory insult related to a viral infection. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 …”