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Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
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Calcium Channel Blockers and the Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

S Scott Sutton1,2, Joseph Magagnoli1,2, Tammy H Cummings1,2

  • 1Dorn Research Institute, Columbia Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
|December 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Calcium channel blockers may help prevent sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This study found CCB users had a 23.6% decreased risk of SNHL compared to non-users, suggesting a potential prophylactic role.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a significant health concern.
  • Hypertension is a common comorbidity associated with SNHL.
  • Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used antihypertensive medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as a prophylactic agent for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of US veterans within the Veteran's Affairs healthcare system.
  • Inclusion criteria: diagnosed hypertension, no prior SNHL diagnosis, and either prescribed CCBs or no antihypertensive medication.
  • Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes between CCB users and a control group.

Main Results:

  • A total of 1,338,409 patients were analyzed, with 292,981 in the CCB group and 1,045,428 in the control group.
  • CCB users exhibited a 23.6% reduced risk of developing SNHL compared to individuals not using antihypertensive medications (HR = 0.764, 95% CI [0.752-0.777]).

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest that calcium channel blockers may serve as a potential prophylactic agent against sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Further research is recommended to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Abstract

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