Sudden deafness: a comparison between age groups. (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hung, Wei-Chen; Lin, Kuei-You; Cheng, Po-Wen; Young, Yi-Ho
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 60:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 911
• Page End: 916
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Sudden deafness -- vestibular-evoked myogenic potential -- age band -- elderly; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1900611
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study compared sudden deafness (SD) cases in 20-year age bands to investigate their causes and treatment outcome. Design: Retrospective study. Study Samples: 178 unilateral SD patients were divided into four 20-year age-groups, namely Groups I (aged 0–19 years, n = 6), II (aged 20–39 years, n = 33), III (aged 40–59 years, n = 63), and IV (aged 60–79 years, n = 76). Methods: An inner ear test battery and/or serology assay were performed. Results: Incidence of SD in relation to overall neurotological cases did not significantly differ among the four groups. Groups I and II showed two or three audiographic patterns, while Groups III and IV had six audiographic patterns indicating that the aetiology of Groups I and II may be of the same origin, while Groups III and IV had multiple aetiologies. The hearing improvement rate was significantly higher in Groups III (62%) and IV (62%) than in Groups I (16%) and II (33%). Conclusion: SD inevitably affects individuals of all ages. Significant differences in the audiographic patterns and speculative causes may account for various outcomes of treatment in each 20-year age band. Those SD patients aged 40–59 and 60–79 years showed significantly better treatment outcomes than those aged 0–19 and 20–39 years.