[Sudden deafness: different pathologies and results of treatment by normovolemic hemodilution]

The authors report 75 cases (including 4 children) treated between 1983 and 1988 by normovolemic hemodilution, corticoids and vasodilators for deafness of various origins. This treatment has an action in deafness of brutal occurrence and all the more so when applied early. The youngest subjects, with viral disorders and the oldest with vascular disorders receive less favourable prognoses. The main risk factors found are represented by a previous vascular and otological history. When hemodilution fails, it is best to associate hyperbaric oxygen therapy rapidly.