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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Recurrences in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Long-Term Observational Study
Giancarlo Pecorari1, Giuseppe Riva1, Gabriele Bruno1
1Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
American Journal of Audiology
|January 16, 2020
Summary
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) rarely recurs, with 2- and 5-year rates of 5.60% and 10.34%. Recurrence, often partial, may affect the same or opposite ear and is linked to tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remain understudied.
- Prognosis and predictors for SSNHL relapses are uncertain, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the recurrence rate of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) over 2- and 5-year periods.
- To analyze the correlation between SSNHL recurrence and clinical/audiometric characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 73 patients diagnosed with idiopathic SSNHL.
- Recording of clinical and audiometric data, with follow-up periods of at least 2 years for 95.8% and 5 years for 68.4%.
Main Results:
- Two- and 5-year SSNHL recurrence rates were 5.60% and 10.34%, respectively.
- Recurrence occurred after a mean of 29.33 months, with ~70% experiencing partial recovery.
- Recurrence involved the ipsilateral ear (42.8%), contralateral ear (42.8%), or was bilateral (14.4%).
- Tinnitus during follow-up was the only significant correlate of recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Recurrences of SSNHL are infrequent and can affect either ear or both.
- The presence of tinnitus may be associated with SSNHL recurrence.
- Additional research is required to identify reliable predictors for SSNHL recurrence.
