Sudden Hearing Loss Questions & Answers

Updated: Dec 28, 2021
  • Author: Neeraj N Mathur, MBBS, MS, DNB, MAMS, FAMS; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  more...
  • Print
Questions & Answers

Overview

What is the definition of sudden hearing loss?

What is the pathophysiology of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of viral infection in the pathophysiology of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of vascular compromise in the pathophysiology of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of membrane rupture in the pathophysiology of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of immune-mediated inner ear disease in the pathophysiology of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of iron-deficiency anemia in the pathophysiology of sudden hearing loss?

What is the incidence of sudden hearing loss in the US?

What is the global incidence of sudden hearing loss?

How does the incidence of sudden hearing loss vary by sex?

How does the incidence of sudden hearing loss vary by age?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of sudden hearing loss?

What is included in the physical exam to evaluate sudden hearing loss?

What are possible causes of sudden hearing loss?

DDX

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of sudden hearing loss?

What are the differential diagnoses for Sudden Hearing Loss?

Workup

Which lab studies are performed in the workup of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of auditory testing in the workup of sudden hearing loss?

Treatment

What is the preferred treatment regimen for sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of vasodilators for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of rheological agents for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of antiviral agents for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of diuretics for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of triiodobenzoic acid derivatives for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

What is the role of surgery in the management of sudden hearing loss?

Guidelines

What are the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) clinical practice guidelines for sudden hearing loss?

According to the ACMG guidelines, what should be the focus of clinical history and physical exam for evaluation and diagnosis of sudden hearing loss?

What is the tiered diagnostic approach for sudden hearing loss?

Medications

Which medical therapies are used in the treatment of sudden hearing loss?

Which medications in the drug class Skin and mucus membrane agents are used in the treatment of Sudden Hearing Loss?

Which medications in the drug class Diuretics are used in the treatment of Sudden Hearing Loss?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Sudden Hearing Loss?

Follow-up

When is aural rehabilitation indicated for patients with sudden hearing loss?

What is the prognosis of sudden hearing loss?

What outcomes have been reported for specific treatments of sudden hearing loss?

What is included in patient education about sudden hearing loss?