[Prediction of prognosis in sudden deafness]

Factors influencing the prognosis of sudden deafness were studied in 70 cases. Clinical data were analyzed and three important factors have been found: 1. Among various factors concerning the prognosis, the most important one was the presence of 8 kHz hearing. If hearing in the 8 kHz level could be obtained, prognosis would be better; 2. The time between the onset of deafness and the initial examination was found to be in close relationship with the prognosis, i.e. the sooner the patient seeks for treatment, the better would be the result; 3. The rapidity of the development of deafness was closely related to the prognosis. The faster the development of deafness, the worse would be the prognosis. An optimal regression equation for predicting prognosis has been established. According to this equation, otologists would be able to estimate the prognosis of the patients suffering from sudden deafness.