Meteorological Factors in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Environmental Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is an urgent otologic condition with unknown causes.
• Environmental factors are suspected triggers, but evidence is conflicting.
• Understanding potential environmental links is crucial for managing ISSNHL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between weekly ISSNHL incidence and meteorological variables.
• To analyze data from a Mediterranean city over a six-year period.
• To identify potential environmental risk factors for ISSNHL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 97 ISSNHL cases from January 2019 to May 2025.
• Correlation of weekly ISSNHL incidence with averaged weekly meteorological data (temperature, wind speed, atmospheric pressure).
• Statistical comparison of weather variables during high-incidence vs. low-incidence periods, including lag effect analysis.

Main Results:

• No significant seasonal pattern was observed for ISSNHL incidence (p=0.973).
• Lower wind speeds were consistently associated with higher ISSNHL incidence (p<0.05).
• A trend towards lower atmospheric pressure was noted during high-incidence periods; temperature showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

• ISSNHL incidence in this Mediterranean setting is not seasonally influenced.
• Low wind speed and potentially low atmospheric pressure preceding onset are associated with increased ISSNHL risk.
• Calm atmospheric conditions may play a role in ISSNHL etiology through mechanisms like air quality or pressure dynamics.