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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Vertigo with sudden hearing loss: audio-vestibular characteristics
Jacob M Pogson1,2,3, Rachael L Taylor1,2, Allison S Young1
1Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Level 8 East 1, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Neurology
|July 21, 2016
Summary
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) with acute vertigo often involves posterior semicircular canal dysfunction. Audio-vestibular tests help characterize these rare but serious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Audiology
Background:
- Acute vertigo combined with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) represents a critical medical condition.
- The specific audio-vestibular profiles in patients presenting with both vertigo and SSNHL require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the audio-vestibular test results in patients experiencing acute vertigo and SSNHL.
- To differentiate the affected vestibular pathways in vertigo with SSNHL compared to other vestibular disorders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a comprehensive vestibular test battery including 3D video head impulse testing (vHIT) for semicircular canal function.
- Recorded ocular and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP, cVEMP) to assess otolith dysfunction.
- Evaluated 27 subjects presenting with acute vertigo and SSNHL.
Main Results:
- Posterior semicircular canal gain impairment was observed in 74% of subjects, a higher prevalence than in vestibular neuritis.
- Horizontal canal gains were impaired in 41%, anterior canal gains in 30%, oVEMPs in 38%, and cVEMPs in 33%.
- Most cases (23/27) were diagnosed as labyrinthitis/labyrinthine infarction, while four had specific diagnoses including AICA infarction.
Conclusions:
- The posterior semicircular canal is frequently affected in patients with vertigo and SSNHL.
- Ischemia of the labyrinthine artery is a potential cause, but audio-vestibular tests cannot reliably distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies.
- Further research is needed to refine diagnostic approaches for vertigo with SSNHL.
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