Endothelial Dysfunction in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Endothelial dysfunction is observed in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL).
• Cardiovascular risk factors may play a role in the development of ISSHL.
• ISSHL is increasingly viewed as a microcirculation disorder rooted in endothelial dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent research on cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction in ISSHL.
• To evaluate the clinical implications and future research directions for these findings.

Main Methods:

• A systematic Medline literature search was performed for studies published in the last decade.
• Search terms included "sudden sensorineural hearing loss" and "endothelial dysfunction".
• References of relevant articles were hand-searched to identify additional studies.

Main Results:

• Elevated adhesion molecules, hyperhomocysteinemia, and low folate levels were noted.
• Impaired oxidative status and reduced flow-mediated brachial artery dilation were observed.
• A decrease in circulating endothelial progenitor cells was found in ISSHL patients.

Conclusions:

• ISSHL is likely a microcirculation disorder associated with endothelial dysfunction.
• Clinicians should consider traditional cardiovascular event prevention strategies for ISSHL.
• Implementing cardiovascular preventive measures may reduce the incidence of ISSHL.