Auricular Point Sticking for Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an acute otolaryngologic emergency. Although evidence suggests that auricular point sticking (APS) may be beneficial for hearing recovery, the role of APS in sudden hearing loss is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical application of APS in SSHL patients.

This prospective cohort study analyzed 624 patients with SSHL between January 2019 and December 2023. Patients were divided into an APS group (n=165) and a non-APS group (n=459) based on APS use. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance the two groups. Hearing recovery and cure rates were evaluated between the two groups.

After PSM, hearing recovery (P=0.020) and cure rate (P=0.009) were significantly higher in the APS group than in the non-APS group. Ordered logistic regression analysis indicated that APS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.182, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.335-3.565, P=0.002) was significantly associated with hearing recovery. A significant improvement in cure rate (OR = 2.320, 95% CI: 1.378-3.904, P=0.002) was observed in APS patients compared to the non-APS group. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed that patients who received APS exhibited better hearing recovery.

APS enhances hearing recovery and cure rates in SSHL patients.