Study of clinical profile of patients with sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency defined as sensorineural hearing loss ≥ 30 dB that affects at least 3 consecutive frequencies and occurs within a 72-hour window. Present study was aimed to study clinical profile of patients with sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, retrospective study, conducted in case records of patients with sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss. Results: We studied total 74 case records. All patients were compared according to recovery status.Recovery was noticed in 31 patients (41.89 %) while no or less than 50 % recovery was noticed in 43 patients (58.11 %). Majority 
of patients were from 41-60 years age group (43.24 %) & in patients with recovery, mean age was 41.87 ± 9.34 years as compared to patients without recovery as 50.51 ± 10.78 years and difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Gender was comparable among total patients as well as patients with or without recovery and difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Hypertension (33.78 %), diabetes (17.57 %), dyslipidemia (20.27 %) & thyroid disorder (8.11 %) were common comorbidities noted among patients. Vertigo was significant in patients without recovery (68.75 %) as compared to patients with recovery (31.25 %) & difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Degree Of hearing loss was mild (8.11 %), moderate (10.81 %), moderately severe (20.27 %), severe (25.68 %) & profound (35.14 %). Incidence of patients without recovery was increased with increase in severity of hearing loss & difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Time to initiate treatment was ≤ 14 days (62.16 %) in majority of patients followed by 15-30 days (25.68 %) & >30 days (12.16 %). Recovery was noted in early initiation of treatment & difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: In patients with sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss age less than 40 years, no comorbidities, lesser degree of hearing loss, early (<14 days) initiation of treatment are factors associated with recovery.