SCORE risk scale as a prognostic factor after sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is an urgent condition with unknown etiology and challenging prognosis.
• Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are suspected contributors to SSHL pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale in SSHL patients.
• To assess the prognostic value of the SCORE scale for hearing recovery in SSHL patients with CVRF.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of SSHL patients receiving protocol treatment (IV corticosteroids and intratympanic injections).
• Assessment of demographic, audiometric, clinical, and imaging data.
• Application of the SCORE scale and comparison of audiometric recovery across risk groups.

Main Results:

• Overall complete and partial recovery rates were 35.9% and 26%, respectively.
• Over half of patients had at least one CVRF (most common: overweight/obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension).
• Patients with CVRF and higher SCORE risk showed higher initial hearing loss and worse outcomes, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• The SCORE scale's validity for predicting hearing recovery in SSHL patients with comorbidities could not be confirmed in this preliminary study.
• Larger studies are needed to clarify SSHL etiology and the role of CVRF in its pathophysiology.