Abstract

 

The definition of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, an otolaryngology emergency, is a loss greater than 30 dB in three contiguous frequencies occurring in less than 3 days. Its major symptom is hearing loss, sometimes associated with tinnitus and vertigo. The spesific cause can be determined in only 15% of patients, thus it can be termed “idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss”. Spontaneous recovery can be anticipated in 65% of the patients, but corticosteroids are the most commen and efficient treatment modality. Patients with mild hearing loss without vertigo and tinnitus, having early treatment and with evidence of odiologic remission in 2 weeks have better prognosis.

Key words: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss