Clinical Observations on Acute Low-Tone Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 137 patients who were treated at our clinic for acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss of unknown cause over a period of 8 years. The analyses of the clinical records indicated the following clinical characteristics: female preponderance; peak incidence during the fourth decade of life; frequent accompanying tinnitus, sensation of ear fullness, and/ or autophony; suspicion of bilateral involvement; and association with autonomic imbalance. The hearing in most of the patients completely recovered, but some selected patients experienced fluctuating hearing loss or progression to Meniere's disease. Our results suggest that a subgroup of patients with severe initial hearing loss should be carefully followed up, although it is difficult to predict the outcome of this disorder.

Trial of Chinese Medicine Wu-Ling-San for Acute Low-Tone Hearing Loss

“…This resulted in about one quarter of our cases being probable cases. Previously, the peak age of ALHL onset was reported to be in the late 40s to 50s [1,2,4,7]. In our study, the mean age at onset was 47.3 years; however, the mean age of patients with definite ALHL was 40.1 years and that of patients with probable ALHL was 66.6 years.…”

“…On the other hand, immunological studies [8,9] have suggested that autoimmunity is involved in the development of ALHL, so immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids are often given for ALHL via the oral [1,10], intravenous [1], or intratympanic [12] route. Adenosine triphosphate and vitamin B 12 are also used to improve circulation and metabolism in the inner ear [4]. The effectiveness of steroids, diuretics, adenosine triphosphate, and vitamin B 12 differs among reports.…”

“…ALHL is considered to be a mild illness because it tends to resolve spontaneously [2,4]. Indeed, most patients recover within several days; however, for some patients the hearing loss is intractable.…”

Short-Term Outcome and Prognosis of Acute Low-Tone Sensorineural Hearing Loss by Administration of Steroid

“…The clinical features of ALHL were afterwards detailed in several reports [2][3][4], and the fact that ALHL is an independent disease entity different from idiopathic sudden deafness has been established. First, Abe [1] reported that hearing loss was restricted to the low-frequency range, was very mild and might recover after a relatively short period, even without treatment.…”

“…First, Abe [1] reported that hearing loss was restricted to the low-frequency range, was very mild and might recover after a relatively short period, even without treatment. Recently, it was reported that in some ALHL patients the level of hearing loss fluctuates and/or progresses to Mé-nière's disease [2][3][4]. Concerning the etiology, Yamasoba et al [3] reported that the glycerol test was positive and -SP/AP ratios were abnormally increased in electrocochleography in most patients with ALHL, and concluded that ALHL might be caused by endolymphatic hydrops.…”