[Analyses prognostic factors relevant to sudden sensorineural hearing loss]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
• Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for effective treatment strategies and patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key prognostic factors influencing hearing recovery in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• To analyze the correlation between initial audiogram characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multi-center clinical study involving 1,024 adult patients with SSNHL.
• Patients were categorized into four types based on initial audiogram (low, high, all frequencies, or total deafness).
• Analysis included age, gender, initial hearing loss severity, and time to first visit.

Main Results:

• Hearing recovery rates varied significantly by SSNHL type, with low-frequency loss showing the highest recovery (90.73%) and high-frequency loss the lowest (65.96%).
• Younger age, shorter delay to treatment, and less severe initial hearing loss were significantly correlated with better hearing improvement.
• Age, time delay, and initial severity were significant prognostic indicators.

Conclusions:

• Initial audiogram patterns can predict hearing recovery in SSNHL.
• Younger patients and those seeking timely treatment have a better prognosis for hearing recovery.
• The severity of initial hearing loss is a negative prognostic factor for hearing recovery in SSNHL.