Diagnostic utility of audiologic parameters in sudden hearing loss: a multivariable logistic regression study

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) complaints constitute a substantial proportion of admissions to audiology clinics; however, data on individuals presenting with suspected SHL prior to diagnosis remain limited. This study aimed to describe the audiologic findings and symptoms of adult patients referred to our clinic with suspected SHL.

Medical records of patients referred with suspected SHL between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 106 participants (108 ears) were included. Participants were classified into four groups based on audiologic findings, and intergroup comparisons were conducted. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables most strongly associated with SHL diagnosis.

The mean duration of hearing loss complaint was 8.8 days (SD = 8.8), and the mean pure-tone average (PTA) was 31.4 dB HL (SD = 19.9). Two participants (1.9%) had bilateral involvement, and 28.7% met the diagnostic criteria for SHL. The most frequently reported symptoms were tinnitus (63%) and ear fullness (42.6%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the overall model was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Of all predictors, only the speech discrimination score (SDS) was independently associated with diagnosis (p < 0.05).

The logistic regression model effectively differentiated individuals with and without SHL. Nearly half of the patients presenting with suspected SHL had normal hearing (45.4%), and 14.8% demonstrated findings consistent with middle ear pathology. These results highlight the substantial clinical burden associated with suspected SHL referrals and suggest that the coexistence of multiple symptoms may complicate the diagnostic process.