Pattern of Vestibular Insult as a Prognostic Factor in Sud-den Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a loss of hearing of at least 30 decibels (dB) in three consecutive frequencies occurring within 72 hours. Hence, this systematic review was conducted to systematically review studies to identify the prognosis of SSNHL according to associated patterns of vestibular insult. Methods: We used the PRISMA statement as a reference and followed the procedures outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Results: Out of a total of six studies including 465 individuals with SSNHL compared hearing recovery after different vestibular injury patterns. With a P value of 0.001 and 0.001, respectively, a significant number of patients experienced full and partial hearing recovery following the C pattern. The number of patients in the non-recovery group is statistically significant (P =.004). There was significant heterogeneity across the combined trials (I2 = 81.8%). P values of 0.02 and 0.006 for complete and partial hearing recovery with the C+S pattern indicate that many individuals had these outcomes. No recovery numbers were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.08) in the analysis. The combined studies showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 81.8%). A large proportion of patients were classified as having full, partial, or no hearing recovery following the (C), (C+S), or (C+I) pattern. A large proportion of patients had a (C+S+I) pattern indicative of only partial or no hearing recovery. Conclusion: The severity of vestibular injury was found to be a significant predictor of SSNHL patient outcomes.