Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Old Age

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesZZIn aging society, interest in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) in elderly have been increased. However, as there has been little discussion about prognostic factors of ISSNHL in old age, this study aims to investigate clinical factors related with prognosis of ISSNHL in elderly and compare with that in adults. Subjects and MethodZZA retrospective medical chart review was performed in patients over 19 years old who diagnosed with ISSNHL from Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2012. Patients were categorized into the old age group (over 65 years old, n=62) and the control group (aged 19 to 64 years old, n=218). Clinical findings, audiological result and treatment outcomes were compared between two groups. And possible prognostic factors of SSNHL in elderly were also investigated. ResultsZZSignificant difference of hearing recovery was identified between the old age group (33.9%, 21/62) and control group (50.9%, 111/218) according to Siegel's criteria (p=0.021). Multivariate analysis concluded that delayed treatment and low speech discrimination score (SDS) might lead to poor prognosis in elderly. The presence of tinnitus or dizziness, audiometric configurations, hypertension and diabetes mellitus did not affect the treatment results of ISSNHL in the old age group. ConclusionZZOnset of treatment and initial SDS could be possible prognostic factors of ISSNHL in elderly. Early diagnosis and urgent treatment are more important in old age.

Association between Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and the Risk of Cardio Cerebrovascular Disease

“…However, individuals in the 0–12‐month group had the highest risk of CCVD, which could indicate that SSNHL could have occurred earlier than the first official diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to check patient history for an accurate diagnosis; however, in the case of older individuals, they often cannot remember it accurately 22 ; highlighting the possibility that the disease could have occurred earlier than the official diagnosis. Furthermore, those who suffer from SSNHL may have trouble communicating with others, resulting in decreased cognition, anxiety, depression, and social isolation 23 .…”

Contemporary Review of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Management and Prognosis

“…Interestingly, these studies did not find any significant factors associated with hearing recovery [ 43 , 44 ]. However, other studies, which have compared elderly patients to control groups (younger individuals), have reported significantly lower hearing recovery rates among the elderly population [ 45 , 46 ]. Additionally, these studies have indicated that the timing of treatment initiation and the hearing status of the contralateral ear play a role in the prognosis of SSNHL in elderly patients [ 45 , 46 ].…”

“…However, other studies, which have compared elderly patients to control groups (younger individuals), have reported significantly lower hearing recovery rates among the elderly population [ 45 , 46 ]. Additionally, these studies have indicated that the timing of treatment initiation and the hearing status of the contralateral ear play a role in the prognosis of SSNHL in elderly patients [ 45 , 46 ]. In a study comparing 40 patients aged 65 years or older with 40 relatively younger patients (aged 55–64 yeasrs), there were no significant differences in hearing status or underlying conditions between the elderly and control groups [ 47 ].…”