title: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: long-term follow-up results.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. apsifidi@auth.gr
authors.forename: Anestis D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Psifidis
authors.forename: George K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Psillas
authors.forename: Jiannis Ch
authors.initials: JCh
authors.lastname: Daniilidis
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014665:Vasodilator Agents