Sudden Deafness: An Otologic Emergency

Abstract

SUDDEN DEAFNESS is an otologic emergency because successful recovery depends on prompt treatment. The hearing loss is predominantly unilateral, but may be bilateral. Not only must the deafness be treated immediately, but in some cases the underlying medical or surgical disease must also be treated. Sudden deafness is defined as a hearing loss that the patient notices in an instant or one that rapidly progresses over 24 to 48 hours. The hearing loss may be total or partial and is often described by the patient as a "fullness" or "stuffiness" in the ear. The hearing loss is sensorineural. The records of 143 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss were reviewed at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Of these patients, 139 had unilateral sudden deafness, and 4 had bilateral sudden deafness. The Table summarizes the etiology of the sudden deafness. <h3>Etiology</h3> Viral infections were diagnosed clinically in 40 patients. The