Simultaneous idiopathic bilateral sudden hearing loss – characteristics and response to treatment

Publication date: Available online 24 January 2017
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Ferit Akil, Umur Yollu, Mehmet Yilmaz, H. Murat Yener, Marlen Mamanov, Ender Inci
IntroductionThe aetiology of sudden hearing loss is poorly defined; however, infectious, vascular and neoplastic aetiologies are presumed to be responsible. In addition, the aetiology of bilateral SHL is also unknown.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is identify the characteristics and treatment response of simultaneous bilateral sudden hearing loss.MethodsThis is a case–control study that practised in tertiary care academic centre. 132 patients with sudden hearing loss (SHL) who were treated with systemic steroid and hyperbaric oxygen together were included. 26 patients had bilateral SHL and 106 patients had unilateral SHL. Patients were evaluated with clinical, audiological and radiological examinations and laboratory tests were done. Findings and response to treatment of the patients were compared.Results and conclusionThe mean ages of patients with unilateral and bilateral SHL were 42.0 years and 24.5 years respectively with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Immune response markers were more prevalent in bilateral SHL. Pre-treatment audiologic thresholds were 69.1dB for unilateral SHL and 63.3dB for the left ears and 67.6dB for the right ears for bilateral SHL without significant difference. Post-treatment average hearing threshold in unilateral SHL was 47.0dB and 55.4dB for the left ears and 59.0 for the right ears in bilateral SHL. Average hearing improvement in unilateral SHL group was significant (p<0.001) in spite of it was not significant in bilateral SHL group for both ears. Between the groups; there was a significant difference for hearing improvement favouring unilateral SHL (p<0.001). Tinnitus scores decreased significantly in both groups of patients (p<0.001) in spite of there was no significant difference between the groups of patients. Patients with bilateral SHL showed lower age, worse prognosis and higher rate of positive immune response markers. Cardiovascular risk factors seem to have an important role in the aetiology of unilateral cases whereas this importance was not present in bilateral ones.



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