Abstract
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is clinically characterized by rapid-onset sensorineural hearing loss of more than 30 dB in at least 3 contiguous audiometric frequencies within 3 days.1-3 The incidence of SSHL is approximately 5 to 20 per 100 000 persons per year.4 At present, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, optimal treatments, and prognostic factors of SSHL are not clear, with spontaneous recovery rates ranging from 32% to 70%.5,6 Various factors may affect hearing recovery after SSHL, such as age, degree of hearing loss, type of hearing loss, interval from onset of symptoms to treatment, and the presence of vertigo, tinnitus, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.7-9