ENT - sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Question 1

What is sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Answer 1

Hearing loss over less than 72 hours, unexplained by other causes.

This is considered an otological emergency

Most often the hearing loss is unilateral

Question 2

Causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Answer 2

Most (90%) are idiopathic (no specific cause found)

Infection e.g. meningitis, HIV, mumps
Meniere's Disease
Ototoxic medications
MS
Migraine
Stroke
Acoustic neuroma

Cogan’s syndrome (a rare autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the eyes and inner ear)

Question 3

Investigations in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Answer 3

Audiometry is required to establish the diagnosis.

A diagnosis of SSNHL requires a loss of at least 30 decibels in three consecutive frequencies on an audiogram.

Question 4

Management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Answer 4

Immediate referral to ENT for assessment within 24h

Treat underlying cause e.g. infection

Idiopathic SSNHL may be treated with steroids (either oral or intratympanic