Prognostic factors in sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss is a sensorineural hypoacusis, unilateral in most of the cases, with an incidence peak in young adult. This article is the result of a four years retrospective study, in which we have tried to see how age, severity of hearing loss, presence or absence of vertigo, the timing of treatment initiation can influence the hearing recovery. 47 patients were included in this inpatient study. They were investigated (clinical, lab and imaging studies) and the treatment protocol included vasodilators, anti–inflammatory agents, vitamins, plasma expander. In conclusion, a good prognosis in the hearing recovery was associated with absence of vertigo, early treatment (the first 7 days), and hearing loss less than 50dB. Age had no influence upon the recovery process.