Abstract

Objectives
The prognosis of Sudden low frequency hearing loss (SLFHL) is relatively good, but recurrences of hearing loss and possible progression to Meniere’s disease is still a clinically important concern. This study was conducted to confirm the rate at which SLFHL proceeds to Meniere’s disease. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 160 SLFHL patients who were followed up for more than 6 months from September 2005 to August 2013. Progression, initial hearing level, recovery and recurrence of hearing loss were reviewed. Results: 106 patients (66.25%) had complete hearing recovery, 32 (20%) had recurrent hearing loss. Of the 32 recurrent group, 15 (9.38%) had progressed to Meniere’s disease after average of 1.7±1.4 years. The mean age of non-recurrent group was higher than recurrent group (55.3±14.6 and 48.0±13.4, respectively, p=0.011). The threshold of 250Hz was significantly higher in the Non-recurrent group compared with recurrent group (p=0.047). Conclusion: In patients with SLFHL, recurrence at relatively young age should be considered with the possibility of progression to Meniere’s disease.

• Keywords: Sudden hearing loss; Sensorineural hearing loss; Prognosis; Meniere’s disease