Oral steroid treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a ten year retrospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe ten years of experience with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and compare the outcomes with and without treatment with oral corticosteroids.


METHODS
Retrospective review of medical records.


METHODS
Large specialty hospital, Department of Otolaryngology.


METHODS
Patients presenting with sudden onset (72 hours) unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, with no evidence of Ménière's Disease, acoustic injury, retrocochlear disease, and other specifiable disorders.


METHODS
The majority of patients received a standard course of oral corticosteroids (Prednisone 60 mg and taper). A smaller group declined treatment.


METHODS
Recovery of hearing sensitivity was measured using standard audiometry and reported as change in Pure Tone Average. Word recognition scores were also analyzed.


RESULTS
When severe-to-profound cases are analyzed, a significant improvement (p <.01) in Pure Tone Average is seen in cases treated with steroids versus those untreated. When milder cases are included, a statistical floor effect prevents differentiation of these groups. Word recognition scores were significantly improved (p <.05) in the treated group.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of steroid medication significantly improves the recovery outcomes in cases of Severe Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013069:Speech Reception Threshold Test; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011241:Prednisone