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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Vestibular Functional Patterns in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
António Andrade1,2, Francisca Ferreira3,4, Maria Marques Silva1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Unidade Local de Saúde São João, Porto, Portugal.
Ear and Hearing
|April 23, 2026
Summary
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) often involves vestibular dysfunction, particularly affecting the posterior semicircular canal, saccule, and utricle. These patterns suggest a potential vascular cause for SSNHL.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a complex condition with poorly understood etiology.
- Vestibular involvement is frequently observed in SSNHL patients, impacting balance and spatial orientation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and characterize prevalent vestibular dysfunction patterns in idiopathic SSNHL.
- To explore the potential clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of these vestibular patterns.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was performed across PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar.
- Studies analyzing vestibular function in SSNHL using video head impulse test, cVEMP, and oVEMP were included.
- Statistical analysis (Chi-square test) was employed to determine the significance of observed vestibular patterns.
Main Results:
- Eight studies involving 464 SSNHL cases were analyzed.
- Vestibular dysfunction was identified in 72.4% of SSNHL cases.
- The most common patterns involved cochlear (C)-only, C + posterior semicircular canal (PSC), C + saccule (S), C + utricle (U), and combinations thereof.
Conclusions:
- Vestibular dysfunction is a common comorbidity in SSNHL.
- Observed vestibulopathy patterns may correlate with the vascular supply of the vestibulocochlear artery, suggesting a vascular etiology.
- Further research is needed to validate these associations and inform treatment strategies for SSNHL.
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