Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: long-term follow-up results.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the long-term outcome of patients suffering from sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) after an initial combined therapy of steroids with vasodilators.


METHODS
Eighty cases were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the long-term audiometric data and to statistically assess the value of specific clinical parameters. The persistent long-term otoneurologic manifestations associated with SSHL were also reported.


RESULTS
In the long-term period, hearing level remained stable 2 months after the onset of SSHL. Patients complained of persistent tinnitus (36%), fluctuant hearing loss (8.7%), dizziness (8.7%), and classical Ménière's triad in 2.5% of cases. Profound and total SSHL associated with vertigo are poor prognostic indicators.


CONCLUSIONS
In terms of cost-effectiveness, a steroid-vasodilator therapy for SSHL for >2 months is not recommended because no additional effect was evidenced. Persistent otoneurologic manifestations, mainly tinnitus or dizziness are relatively common, particularly in patients with severe to total SSHL.


METHODS
C-4.
Psifidis
Anestis D
AD
ENT Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. apsifidi@auth.gr
Psillas
George K
GK
Daniilidis
Jiannis Ch
JCh
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014665:Vasodilator Agents