Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Emergency

Andrew D P Prince; Emily Z Stucken

doi:10.3122/jabfm.2021.01.200199

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Emergency

J Am Board Fam Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;34(1):216-223. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2021.01.200199.

Authors

Andrew D P Prince¹, Emily Z Stucken¹

Affiliation

¹ From the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI (ADPP); Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (EZS).

PMID: 33452100
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2021.01.200199

Abstract

The family physician's role in recognizing and managing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is crucial. A recently updated otolaryngologic clinical practice guideline has been released for this emergency syndrome, but dissemination is limited to a specialty journal. As a result, the guidelines may not be widely available in the primary care setting where patients often present. We provide this focused review to clarify and disseminate SSNHL guidelines for the frontline family physician.

Keywords: Audiology; Clinical Decision-Making; Conductive Hearing Loss; Family Medicine; Family Physicians; Otolaryngology; Primary Health Care; Sudden Hearing Loss.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Emergency Service, Hospital
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* / diagnosis
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* / therapy
Hearing Loss, Sudden* / diagnosis
Hearing Loss, Sudden* / therapy
Humans
Physicians, Family
Primary Health Care