[Vestibular lesion in sudden deafness: a prognostic criterium for therapeutic success]

The influence of vestibular dysfunction on severity of initial hearing loss and success of therapy was evaluated in a retrospective study with 142 patients suffering from idiopathic sudden hearing loss. In 48% of these patients combined cochleovestibular disorders were found. In this group mean hearing loss was significantly higher (45 dB versus 32 dB) and hearing recovery after therapy (25% versus 38%) less pronounced. 83% of patients with high grades of vestibular disorders (Vestibular Index: > or = 9) showed a decrease of hearing function between 50 dB and 130 dB compared to 32% in the group with signs of low vestibular dysfunction. Additional vestibular lesion in patients with sudden deafness can be used as a criteria for prognosis. High grade vestibular lesion reduce the probability of complete hearing recovery.