Audiological characteristics and exploratory treatment of a rare condition of acute-otitis-media-associated sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common disease that is more prevalent in children. Most studies concerning AOM-associated sudden sensorineural hearing loss are case reports and retrospective in nature, hence the etiology of AOM-associated sudden hearing loss has not been fully established. AIM To analyze audiological characteristics of AOM-associated sudden hearing loss and evaluate efficacy of combined tympanostomy tube placement (TTP) and intratympanic methylprednisolone. METHODS Eight adult patients who were diagnosed with AOM-associated sudden hearing loss and ineffectively treated by conventional medical therapy were enrolled in this study. Basic data were collected, and pure tone audiometry was performed to assess the audiological characteristics. Combination therapy with TTP and intratympanic methylprednisolone injection was given to the patients. RESULTS Mixed or sensorineural hearing loss was observed at high frequencies (2–4 kHz). All the cases in this study were cured after TTP and intratympanic methylprednisolone. After treatment, the average hearing threshold at affected frequencies was significantly lower than those in the pretreatment group ( P < 0.05) and was similar to that in the healthy ears ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSION AOM rarely induces sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Combination therapy with TTP and intratympanic methylprednisolone injection may be effective after failure of conventional medical treatment.

Therapeutic efficacy of methylprednisolone sodium succinate via diverse administration routes for mid- to high-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss

“…From this perspective, clinical recommendations suggest the use of glucocorticoids for treatment because they possess multiple effects, such as anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antiallergic actions. These properties can effectively reduce the harm caused by the immune response whilst reducing the degree of cellular oedema, preventing vascular spasm and alleviating the extent of capillary damage due to inflammatory injury[ 12 ]. However, a study by Li et al [ 13 ] and Plontke et al [ 14 ] revealed that different glucocorticoid administration methods yield varying effects and safety profiles in the treatment of SSNHL with a decline in middle to high frequencies.…”