Clinical Study on 136 Children with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children (CSSNHL) is a growing concern with poorly understood causes and outcomes.
• This retrospective study investigates the clinical features and prognostic factors of CSSNHL in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical characteristics of pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• To identify factors influencing the prognosis and recovery rates of CSSNHL.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 136 pediatric patients diagnosed with CSSNHL between 2008 and 2015.
• Evaluation of clinical, audiological, laboratory, and prognostic data.

Main Results:

• CSSNHL was predominantly unilateral (80.1%). Complete and overall recovery rates were 9.3% and 37.7%, respectively.
• Negative prognostic factors included severe initial hearing loss and bilateral involvement. Positive factors included tinnitus, early treatment, ascending audiograms, ABR, and DPOAEs.
• Abnormalities in white blood cell count, homocysteine, alkaline phosphatase, IgE, and cytomegalovirus IgG were observed.

Conclusions:

• CSSNHL frequently presents unilaterally with severe hearing loss, impacting recovery.
• Prognosis is influenced by initial hearing severity, laterality, and specific audiological markers.
• Certain serological and immunological indicators are associated with CSSNHL, suggesting potential underlying mechanisms.