Pathophysiology of reversible sudden deafness--epidemiological study

Many aspects of the etiology and pathophysiology of reversible sudden deafness remain obscure. In order to better understand the pathophysiology of reversible sudden deafness we compared the results of two therapies which have different mechanisms of action. The results of therapy with tranexamic acid alone in 49 cases (57 ears) of sudden deafness were compared with the results of treatment with so-called antisludging agents in 65 cases (69 ears) using the chi square contingency test. The same therapeutic effect was observed in both groups despite the different modes of chemical action of the two therapeutics. A series of processes involving an increase in permeability of vascular walls and related edema, and extravascular red cell oozing due to hypoxia or anoxia leading to tissue damage in the inner ear seem to be important factors in the etiology and pathophysiology of reversible sudden deafness.