Epidemiologic Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of 2030 Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A...

This study aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) to provide an evidence-based foundation for its prevention and treatment.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 2030 SSNHL patients admitted to our department between February 2001 and February 2025. Variables analyzed included sex, age, treatment duration, and prognosis.

The cohort comprised 957 males (47.14%) and 1073 females (52.86%), with a median age of 54 years. Incidence peaked in the 51 to 60 age group (22.41%). Seasonal peaks occurred in March, July, and November. The overall cure rate was 32.12%, with a total effective rate of 78.72%. Cure rates were significantly higher in younger patients (19-40 years) and lower in patients over 60. Univariate analysis showed a higher cure rate in females (35.32%) than in males (28.56%). However, multivariate logistic regression identified female gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.712, 95% confidence interval: 0.586-0.865, P = .001), increased age (adjusted OR = 0.978 per year, P < .001), and longer treatment duration (adjusted OR = 0.942 per day, P < .001) as independent negative predictors of cure.

This study delineates key epidemiological patterns of SSNHL, including a female predominance, peak incidence in middle age, and distinct seasonal variation. While younger age at presentation predicts better outcomes, female gender, advanced age, and prolonged hospitalization are independent risk factors for poorer prognosis. The findings underscore the need for prompt, targeted management and highlight the complex interplay of demographic and clinical variables in determining SSNHL recovery. As a single-center retrospective study, the generalizability of these findings may be limited to similar clinical settings.