Characterization of pediatric idiopathic sudden szensorineural hearing loss

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment outcomes in children diagnosed with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Materials and methods: The medical records of 48 children diagnosed with ISSNHL between January 2010 and June 2018 were reviewed for age, gender, audiometric and radiological evaluations, severity of hearing loss, accompanying symptoms, and response to treatment. Audiograms were analyzed for baseline status and response to treatment. Patients were divided into hearing recovery and no hearing recovery groups. Results: Complete recovery (CR) was achieved in 33 of 48 (68.8%) patients; while, partial (PR), slight, and profound recovery rates were 16.6% (8 patients), 10.4% (5 patients), and 4.2% (2 patients), respectively. The hearing recovery (CR+PR) rate was 85.4%. The duration between the onset of symptoms and initial treatment was significantly shorter in the recovery group than the no recovery group. The initial hearing level was significantly lower and hearing gain was significantly higher in the recovery group vs. no recovery group. Associated vertigo as well as descending and profound audiograms were negative prognostic factors of hearing recovery. There was no significant difference between groups in the height and width of the internal auditory canal (IAC). Conclusion: A low initial hearing level, ascending audiogram, and shorter duration between initial symptoms and the onset of treatment were positively associated with hearing recovery; while, vertigo was a negative prognostic factor. The dimensions of the IAC were within normal limits and similar between groups.