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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Vestibular dysfunction and hearing outcome in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Ali Omidvari1, Alimohamad Asghari1, Mohsen Ahadi2
1ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Vestibular dysfunction accompanying sudden sensorineural hearing loss may indicate poorer outcomes. Abnormal vestibular tests and vertigo suggest more severe inner-ear damage in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Audiology
Background:
- Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a complex condition.
- Vestibular dysfunction can co-occur with hearing loss.
- The prognostic significance of vestibular dysfunction in ISSNHL requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize vestibular dysfunction in patients with ISSNHL.
- To investigate the association between vestibular dysfunction and hearing loss severity and recovery.
- To explore the prognostic value of vestibular dysfunction in ISSNHL.
Main Methods:
- 44 patients with ISSNHL were enrolled.
- Audiometry and vestibular tests (caloric, VEMP) were performed.
- Hearing outcomes were assessed using established criteria (Siegel, ASHA).
Main Results:
- 36.4% had abnormal caloric tests; 31.8% had abnormal VEMP tests.
- Vertigo was present in 36.4% of patients.
- Vestibular dysfunction correlated with poorer pure tone audiometry results and less favorable hearing recovery.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal vestibular tests (caloric, VEMP) and vertigo suggest significant inner-ear damage in ISSNHL.
- Vestibular dysfunction is linked to poorer hearing outcomes in ISSNHL.
- These findings highlight the importance of vestibular assessment in managing ISSNHL.
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