[Exploratory analysis of risk factors of acute inner ear dysfunctions]

Aside from the clinical picture, the frequent occurrence of vascular risk factors favors a vascular pathogenesis of acute sensorineural hearing loss. However, the data on the association of vascular risk factors with sensorineural hearing loss are controversial. Achieving a sufficient number of patients and establishing a suitable control group is difficult. We analyzed the data of 393 patients suffering from acute sensorineural hearing loss. Risk factors, general, audiological, and laboratory parameters were investigated. Mean hearing loss and remission during 10 days of hospital treatment were calculated. The patient group was divided into patients with a certain risk factor and those without this risk factor, and mean remission and hearing loss were compared. Patients suffering from hyperlipidemia or hypotension had substantial and significantly higher mean hearing losses than patients not suffering from these diseases. Thrombosis, embolism, and hypertension were associated with a significantly worse remission of hearing loss. Repeated episodes of sensorineural hearing loss showed a significant worse remission, but less mean hearing loss before therapy. Smoking, diabetes mellitus, infections of the upper airways, and allergies had no influence on remission and mean hearing loss.