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Cochlear implantation in sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63110-0250, USA.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|May 15, 1998
Summary
Sudden bilateral hearing loss rarely occurs without recovery. This case demonstrates cochlear implantation success in a patient with profound, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and no hearing recovery, offering new hope for similar cases.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a rare condition, with only 1-4% of cases being bilateral.
- Previous reports of bilateral SSHL consistently showed significant hearing recovery in at least one ear.
- Idiopathic SSHL, with no identifiable cause, presents unique challenges in treatment and prognosis.
Observation:
- A case of profound, bilateral, and idiopathic SSHL was observed.
- The patient experienced a complete lack of hearing recovery in both ears.
- This represents the first reported instance of profound bilateral SSHL without any hearing recovery.
Findings:
- The patient underwent cochlear implantation as a treatment modality.
- Following implantation, the patient achieved open-set spondee recognition.
- This indicates a successful restoration of functional hearing through cochlear implantation.
Implications:
- Cochlear implantation may be a viable treatment option for patients with sudden bilateral hearing loss.
- This approach is particularly relevant for cases where no hearing recovery occurs and treatable causes have been excluded.
- The findings suggest expanding the criteria for cochlear implantation in severe hearing loss cases.