Sažetak sa skupa
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: importance of early diagnosis and factors associated with treatment outcome
Jelena Vukelić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5828-9087
; KBC Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Mateja Đenović
; KBC Rijeka, Krešimirova ul. 42, 51000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Nina Čuš
; KBC Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Katarina Radobuljac Lovričić
; KBC Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Anja Liović
; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Fakultet za logopediju, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Diana Maržić
; KBC Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a rapid hearing loss of ≥30 dB HL
across at least three consecutive frequencies, occurring within a 72-hour period. In most cases, the etiology is
idiopathic, although viral infections, microcirculatory disorders, and autoimmune diseases have been proposed
as potential contributing factors. Standard treatment involves the administration of corticosteroids with the
optional use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various
factors on treatment outcomes in SSNHL, with particular emphasis on patient age and the time elapsed before
the initiation of therapy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 106 patients treated for unilateral
idiopathic SSNHL between 2016 and 2022. The patients were divided in two age groups (<65 and ≥65 years).
Various factors were analyzed in relation to age and treatment outcomes of SSNHL, including hearing
improvement, sex, absolute improvement in the hearing threshold, time interval between symptom onset and
the beginning of treatment, effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, audiogram configuration, and hearing
threshold in the contralateral ear. Results: Overall, 59% of patients showed hearing improvement. The recovery
was more frequent in younger patients (68.3%) than older ones (47.8%), though this difference was not
statistically significant (p = 0.053). Age was a significant negative predictor of hearing gain in univariate
analysis (p < 0.001), but not in multivariate analysis (p = 0.054). Treatment delay was a consistent predictor
of poorer outcomes (OR = 0.993, p = 0.007), particularly in younger patients. Intratympanic therapy was
associated with reduced recovery, likely reflecting its use in refractory cases. Contralateral ear hearing status
also correlated with outcome. Conclusion: Early recognition and timely initiation of treatment for sudden
sensorineural hearing loss are crucial for optimal recovery, especially in older individuals. Delayed treatment
significantly reduces the likelihood of hearing improvement. Public health awareness should be increased
regarding the importance of prompt treatment initiation in order to improve outcomes and preserve the quality
of life, particularly in older adults.
Ključne riječi
aging; hearing outcome; treatment delay; sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Hrčak ID:
336448
URI
Datum izdavanja:
10.11.2025.
Posjeta: 143 *