Epidemiological data of patients with sudden hearing loss -- a retrospective study over a period of three years

In this retrospective study data of 257 patients (11- 6 years; 52 % male, 48 % female) admitted during the last three years for treatment of sudden unilateral hearing loss are statistically evaluated. No correlation with coexisting disease like hypertension, coronary heart disease, hypercholesteremia, arthropathy of the cervical spine, diabetes, thyroid disorders or nicotine abuse were evident. In 194 patients (75 %) total remission was achieved after rheological therapy. Patients additionally treated with steroids had a significant better outcome. Younger patients had higher remission rates. The best prognosis was found for patients with hearing loss in the lower frequency range. There were no differences in remission rates for patients with preexisting sensorineural hearing loss or chronic otitis media. Also patients suffering from recurrent episodes of sudden hearing loss had a similar outcome also.