Importance of early referral in sudden loss of hearing.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the personal and clinical characteristics of patients suffering from sudden hearing loss.


METHODS
The participants were 45 Israeli patients, and the data was collected retrospectively from their medical files.


RESULTS
In most cases the injury was sensory, and in one ear. The common symptom was tinnitus, followed by vertigo. In 20 per cent of the cases no preliminary signs were documented. As many as 60 per cent of the participants suffered from high levels of cholesterol. This finding might indicate a link between the events of hearing loss and patients' vascular background. A total of 42 per cent of the participants delayed their appeal to treatment, despite the appearance of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant link was found between quick referral to treatment and recovery. The nurse holds a central role in identifying this group of patients and ensuring their referral to further treatment.
Rassin
Michal
M
Asaf Harofe Medical Center, Israel.
Gorlansky
Nicka
N
Shahin
Eddie
E
Hacham
Yael
Y
Grant
Pnina
P
Berger
Miri
M
Silner
Dina
D
D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies