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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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
Objectives:
To review our current knowledge of the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, including viral infection, vascular occlusion and immune system-mediated mechanisms, and to discuss the pathogenesis as it relates to pharmacotherapy.
Systematic Review Methodology:
Relevant publications on the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss from 1944 to 2010 were analysed.
Results And Conclusions:
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as hearing loss of 30 dB in three sequential frequencies over 3 days or less. It can be an isolated symptom or the presenting symptom of a systemic disease. The aetiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. Detailed investigation typically reveals a specific cause in about 10% of patients. Proposed theories of causation include viral infections, vascular occlusion and immune system-mediated mechanisms. A variety of therapies have been proposed based on the various proposed aetiologies.
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