A Comprehensive Study on Sudden Deafness for Analyzing Their Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors

Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Mar 10:1455613241232796. doi: 10.1177/01455613241232796. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: To study the factors associated with the prognosis of patients with sudden deafness to facilitate clinical treatment and improve efficacy. Methods: A total of 414 patients with sudden deafness treated in Zhenjiang First People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were chosen. Relevant data were gathered and the effectiveness of treatment was assessed by comparing hearing test results before and after hospital admission and divided into effective and ineffective groups, and the effectiveness of each factor was analyzed using univariate analysis, Spearman's correlation analysis, and multifactor logistic regression. Results: The 2 groups had significant differences in age, presence of tinnitus, degree of hearing loss, and triglyceride levels. Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between hearing threshold of at least 81 dB at 250 to 8000 Hz, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride levels, and the prognosis (r < 0, P < .001). A positive correlation exists between high-density lipoprotein levels and prognosis (r > 0, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed LDL level, age, and time since disease onset appears to be highly predictive. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age >47 years, LDL >2.93 mmol/L, and time to presentation >10 days after disease onset are at higher risk for poor prognosis. Conclusion: Factors that influence the prognosis of patients with sudden deafness include age, tinnitus symptoms, high LDL levels, and the type of hearing curve. Early intervention and targeted treatment should be given to high-risk patients to improve the outcome of sudden deafness in clinical practice.

Keywords: LDL; multivariate analysis; prognosis; sudden deafness; tinnitus.