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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
The Clinical Value of Periventricular White Matter Hyperintensity on MRI in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Jung Woo Lee1, Deoksu Kim1, Seokhwan Lee1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Objectives:
To assess the clinical value of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH) found on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
Methods:
In this prospective study, 115 patients who were diagnosed with SSNHL aged between 55 and 75 years were analyzed. All subjects underwent brain MRI and were divided into a PWMH and control groups, depending on the presence of PWMH on MRI. PWMH was subdivided into 3 groups according to severity. Pure-tone average results and hearing gain were compared between the 2 groups before treatment and 2 months after treatment. Hearing improvement was assessed using Sigel's criteria.
Results:
A total of 106 patients (43 in the PWMH group and 63 in the control group) finally completed the 2-month follow-up. Average hearing gain in the PWMH group was significantly higher than in the control group (34.8 ± 20.3 and 25.9 ± 20.3, respectively, P = .029). PWMH score 1 showed significantly better hearing levels and hearing gain compared to PWMH score 3 and the control group. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, better initial hearing level, and the presence of PVWM score 1 were associated with good recovery.
Conclusions:
The presence of PWMH score 1 on brain MRI in patients with SSNHL was associated with better treatment response and was a good prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis while the hearing recovery in more severe PWMH (scores 2, 3) was not different from the control group.
Insights
Mild periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH) on brain MRI indicates better hearing recovery in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients. Severe PWMH did not show a different outcome compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a complex condition with variable recovery rates.
- Periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH) on brain MRI may influence neurological and audiological outcomes.
- Assessing the clinical significance of PWMH in SSNHL patients is crucial for prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical value of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH) detected via brain MRI in patients diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
- To determine if the presence and severity of PWMH correlate with hearing recovery outcomes in SSNHL patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 115 patients (aged 55-75) diagnosed with SSNHL.
- All participants underwent brain MRI, categorized into PWMH and control groups based on MRI findings.
- PWMH severity was graded (scores 1-3), and hearing outcomes (pure-tone average, hearing gain) were compared before and 2 months after treatment using Sigel's criteria.
Main Results:
- 106 patients completed the 2-month follow-up; 43 in the PWMH group and 63 in the control group.
- Patients with PWMH showed significantly greater average hearing gain (34.8 ± 20.3 dB) compared to the control group (25.9 ± 20.3 dB; P = .029).
- Mild PWMH (score 1) was associated with significantly better hearing levels and gain than severe PWMH (scores 2, 3) and controls; younger age, better initial hearing, and mild PWMH predicted good recovery.
Conclusions:
- The presence of mild PWMH (score 1) on brain MRI is a positive prognostic factor for SSNHL patients, indicating better treatment response.
- Severe PWMH (scores 2, 3) did not demonstrate a significantly different hearing recovery compared to patients without PWMH.
- Brain MRI findings of mild PWMH can aid in predicting hearing recovery in SSNHL patients.
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