Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Predicts Ischemic Stroke: a Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a complex condition with potential systemic implications.
• Understanding the association between SSNHL and cerebrovascular events is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and the subsequent risk of stroke.
• To identify specific risk factors and subgroups within the SSNHL population.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal follow-up cohort study utilizing the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2002-2013).
• 4,944 SSNHL patients were matched with 19,776 controls, analyzing stroke incidence using Cox proportional hazard models.
• Subgroup analyses were performed based on age and sex.

Main Results:

• SSNHL patients had a higher incidence of ischemic stroke (4.2% vs. 3.5%, p=0.013), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.22 (95% CI=1.05-1.43).
• Older males (≥50 years) with SSNHL showed a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke (adjusted HR=1.40, 95% CI=1.10-1.78).
• No significant difference in hemorrhagic stroke risk was observed between SSNHL patients and controls (p=0.310).

Conclusions:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is associated with an elevated risk of ischemic stroke in the general population.
• Older males with SSNHL represent a high-risk group for ischemic stroke.
• SSNHL does not appear to increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.