Sudden deafness: a comparison between age groups

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.

Keywords:

• Sudden deafness
• vestibular-evoked myogenic potential
• age band
• elderly

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the National Science Council, Taiwan [MOST 109-2314-B-002-265].