Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss: a comparison of the results of a nationwide epidemiological survey in Japan

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) using the results of a nationwide survey database in Japan and to analyze the variables associated with their clinical features and the severity of hearing impairment, treatment, and prognosis.

Methods: Participants were patients registered between April 2014 and March 2016 in a multicenter epidemiological survey database involving 30 university hospitals and medical centers across Japan. Statistical analysis was performed to clarify the factors associated with their clinical characteristics and the severity of hearing impairment, treatment, and prognosis.

Results: Idiopathic SSNHL and ALHL differed significantly in terms of male-to-female ratio, age distribution, and time from onset to start of treatment. The treatment methods and hearing prognosis also differed markedly between the two diseases. A majority (92%) of idiopathic SSNHL patients were administered some type of corticosteroid, while half of the ALHL patients received corticosteroids and a diuretic agent.

Conclusion: The results suggested that idiopathic SSNHL and ALHL belonged to different categories of inner ear disease.

Chinese abstract

目的: 本研究的目的是, 使用日本全国调查数据库的结果, 调查特发性突发感觉神经性听力损失 (SSNHL) 和急性低音感觉神经性听力损失 (ALHL) 之间的差异, 并分析与临床特征、听力损伤的程度、治疗和预后相关的条件。

方法: 参与者是在2014年4月至2016年3月期间在一个多中心流行病学调查数据库登记的患者, 该数据库涉及日本全国30所大学医院和医疗中心。进行了统计分析以澄清与他们的临床特征、听力损伤程度、治疗和预后相关的因素。

结果: 特发性SSNHL和ALHL在男女比例、年龄分布和从发病到开始治疗的时间方面有着显著差异。治疗方法和听力预后在两种疾病之间也显著不同。大多数 (92％) 特发性SSNHL患者施用某种类型的皮质类固醇, 而一半的ALHL患者接受皮质类固醇和利尿剂。

结论: 研究结果显示, 特发性SSNHL和ALHL属于不同类别的内耳疾病。

Keywords:

• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss
• epidemiological survey
• severity of hearing impairment
• treatment

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant for Comprehensive Research on Disability Health and Welfare from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan (http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/) (Shin-ichi Usami).

Disclosure Statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant for Comprehensive Research on Disability Health and Welfare from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan (http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/) (Shin-ichi Usami).