engleski

Age-related clinical characteristics in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Background and Aim:: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an audiologic emergency. It is defined as sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB or greater over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies occurring within a three-day period. Although it rarely endangers patient’s life it significantly reduces patient’s quality of life, negatively influence on their workplace productivity and puts them at risk for accidents. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of age on clinical characteristics in SSNHL. Method: We performed a retrospective medical review of 100 patients with SSNHL treated at our hospital in period between January 2016 and February 2022. All patients were treated according to Croatian guidelines for SSNHL. Audiological evaluation was done before and after treatment. Hearing recovery was defined according to modified Sigel’s criteria. Patients were divided in 2 groups: <= 65 years, > 65 years. Age related clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were investigated. Results: Hearing improvement in total 100 patients was 48%. Complete recovery in group > 65 years was significantly lower than that of the <= 65 group (p<0, 05). Posttreatment pure tone average threshold was significantly lower than initial pure tone average threshold (p<0, 05) but there was no differences according to age. Considering the comorbidities, tinnitus had the highest incidence in both groups, but its presence was not significantly associated with treatment outcome. Conclusions: Age is playing a major role in some clinical characteristics in sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Although, all patients were treated according to the same protocol complete recovery is strongly related to age <= 65 years. Thus, in order to achieve better results in treatment of SSNHL it could be considered that current treatment guidelines for SSNHL should be adjusted according to the patient’s age.

Age, comorbidities, hearing recovery outcomes, Siegle’s criteria, sudden sensorineural hearing loss

nije evidentirano