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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: an autoimmune disease?
1ENT Department, Hospital Policlinico “Umberto I” University of Rome, Sapienza, Italy. antonio.greco@uniroma1.it
Autoimmunity Reviews
|May 31, 2011
Summary
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) pathogenesis remains largely unknown, with theories including viral infections, vascular issues, and immune responses. Understanding these mechanisms is key to developing effective pharmacotherapies for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapid onset hearing impairment.
- It is defined as a loss of at least 30 dB over three consecutive frequencies within 72 hours.
- SSNHL can be idiopathic or a symptom of underlying systemic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on SSNHL pathogenesis.
- To explore viral, vascular, and immune-mediated mechanisms.
- To correlate pathogenic understanding with pharmacotherapy approaches.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of relevant literature.
- Analysis of publications from 1944 to 2010.
- Synthesis of findings on SSNHL etiology and pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- The precise etiology and pathogenesis of SSNHL are often unknown.
- Specific causes are identified in only about 10% of cases.
- Leading theories involve viral infections, vascular occlusion, and immune system dysregulation.
Conclusions:
- Despite various proposed theories, SSNHL pathogenesis is not fully elucidated.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.
- Pharmacotherapies are being developed based on proposed etiologies.
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