Recurrences in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Long-Term Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose Long-term outcomes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) are poorly studied. The recurrence rate is heterogeneous, and the prognosis of relapses is uncertain. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the recurrence rate of SSNHL and to analyze the correlation with clinical and audiometric characteristics. Method Seventy-three patients with idiopatic SSNHL were evaluated. Clinical and audiometric features were recorded. Seventy patients (95.8%) had at least a 2-year follow-up, whereas 50 (68.4%) had a 5-year follow-up. Results Two- and 5-year recurrence rates were 5.60% and 10.34%, respectively. Mean time lapse between 1st episode and recurrence was 29.33 ± 26.60 months. About 70% of patients had a partial recovery at recurrence. The same ear was affected in 42.8% of patients, the contralateral ear was affected in 42.8% of patients, and recurrence was bilateral in 14.4% of cases. Recurrence correlated only with the presence of tinnitus during follow-up. However, the small number of participants with recurrence represented a limiting factor of our study. Conclusions Recurrences of SSNHL are rare events that can involve ipsilateral or contralateral ear. Further studies are necessary to identify predictors of recurrence.

Neuroanatomical Alterations in Patients With Tinnitus Before and After Sound Therapy: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study

“…Tinnitus is a phantom auditory sensation that reduces quality of life for millions worldwide (Shore et al, 2016), affecting approximately 4 to 15% of the population (Baguley et al, 2013). It has been related to listening to loud music (Axelsson and Prasher, 2000), head and neck injuries, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (Pecorari et al, 2020), ototoxic drug use (Dille et al, 2010), and other medical conditions that can affect hearing. Chronic tinnitus can trigger a range of problems, including cognitive problems, sleep disturbances (Schecklmann et al, 2015), depression (Dobie, 2003), and work disorders (Heller, 2003).…”

Prognostic Factors Associated with Recovery from Recurrent Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Retrospective Analysis and Systematic Review

“…In comparison, the present study found that the mean times to recurrence were 43.2 days in patients who recovered from the recurrent episode and 44.9 days in those who did not recover. The cumulative relapse rates in studies included in the systematic review ranged from 4.9% to 47% [ 7 , 8 , 16 ].…”

Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia in a patient with recurrent Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Diagnostic approach and dilemmas

“…Recurrence of SSNHL is rare [12], unless there are underlying systemic, autoimmune or neurologic disorders [13]. Fushiki et al…”

“…The second unique feature of the case presented is the configuration of the audiogram in the initial incident affecting the lower and higher frequencies and preserving the mid ones followed by a partial recovery, whereas recurrence affected mainly the low frequencies. Recurrence of SSNHL is unusual and typical audiometric patterns are not available in relevant studies [12,23,24]. Cochlear hydrops cannot be precluded but high frequency involvement on the initial attack is atypical.…”