Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

The German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery defines ISSNHL as a usually one-sided sensorineural hearing loss of cochlear origin without known causes. Severity can vary in quality also including deafness. Vertigo and/or ear noises represent possible additional symptoms.Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a frequent otological disease with an estimated incidence of 10–20/100,000 inhabitants in Germany, Austria and the USA. A recently published retrospective analysis of data from a town in Eastern Germany even mentions an incidence of 160 cases per 100,000 inhabitants Although it has a high spontaneous recovery rate of 40–65%.The aetiology and pathogenesis of sudden deafness remains unknown. For this reason, SSHL remains one of the most controversial and challenging issues in otology. Detailed investigation show a specific cause in about 10% of patients.A thorough history and detailed medical examination is mandatory, with special attention directed toward the otolaryngological and neurological aspects. Clinical examination .