Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children: Etiology, management, and outcome

Practice trends in pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss management: An unresolved diagnosis

PURPOSE

Assess practice patterns amongst pediatric otolaryngologist for the management of children with SSNHL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey of members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) was performed; 135 responded. Patterns in treatment modalities, ancillary tests, and timing of treatment and follow-up were evaluated. These patterns were compared between respondents with different characteristics (number of years in practice, clinic location, and number of pediatric SSNHL cases within the last year) using ordered logistic regression, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Mean time from onset of hearing loss to presentation to a pediatric otolaryngologist was 10 days (range 1-60 days). The most cited reasons for delay in care were 'patient not seeking any healthcare evaluation' (65 %) and 'lack of access to obtain an audiogram' (54 %). The most ordered blood work was complete blood count (14 %) and herpes simplex testing (15 %). Complete blood count was ordered more frequently by physicians in practice for >10 years compared with those in practice 1-10 years, P = 0.03. Most respondents reported treating with systemic steroids (86/92, 93 %), including intratympanic steroids (32/92, 35 %). Treatment with systemic steroids was more common in academic compared with private practice, P = 0.03. Antivirals were the most common additional agent prescribed (14/89, 16 %). Most patients were seen in follow-up 1-4 weeks after diagnosis (63/85, 74 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pediatric otolaryngologists treat SSNHL with systemic steroids. The remainder of the diagnostic and management paradigm varies significantly, highlighting the need to systematically define which treatment optimizes outcomes in this population.

A review of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Bilateral, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in the pediatric population is a rare phenomenon potentially detrimental to language acquisition and social development. This study comprehensively reviews and analyzes existing literature to determine any correlation or commonality in etiologies, presentations, and management of this condition.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles related to pediatric SSNHL from 1970 to 2021. Case series, case reports, and cohort studies were included. Data on patient demographics, etiology, diagnostic testing, management, and hearing recovery were collected.

RESULTS

Excluding duplicates, 553 unique titles were identified by established search criteria, of which 342 titles were relevant to pediatric sudden hearing loss. Forty-six papers reported cases of bilateral SSNHL, totaling 145 individual cases. Not included in the analysis were 45 cases documented as non-organic hearing loss. The average age of the total 145 included patients was 8.5 years and 51 were male. Reported etiologies included cytomegalovirus (n = 3), meningitis (n = 13), mumps (n = 5), ototoxin exposure (n = 13), and enlarged vestibular aqueduct (n = 9). Tinnitus (n = 30) was the most reported concurrent symptom, followed by vertigo (n = 21). Systemic steroid therapy was the most common treatment and, when follow up was reported, most patients (51.2%) had complete or partial recovery of hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a comprehensive review of pediatric bilateral SSNHL. Though often idiopathic, etiologies also include infectious, structural, and autoimmune. Treatment largely consists of systemic steroid therapy, with variables rates of recovery. Further studies on intratympanic administration of steroids may guide future treatment.

Analysis of clinical features and prognostic correlation factors of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and prognostic correlation factors of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children (CSSNHL).

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2021, the clinical data of hospitalized children presenting with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, including age, gender, the ear of onset, onset of treatment, concomitant symptoms, the degree of hearing loss, and audiogram curve type, were retrospectively collected and the effective rate of treatment and the factors affecting prognosis were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The effective rate of CSSNHL was 29.97%. Univariate analyses showed that the onset of treatment, the degree of hearing loss, audiogram curve type, and tinnitus were associated with prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that onset of treatment was correlated with prognosis (OR = 0.939, 95% CI = 0.911-0.969, P < 0.001). Compared with patients in the profound group, the therapeutic performance of the severe, moderate, and mild groups were significantly different (OR = 9.951, 11.264, 13.373, 95% CI = 2.311-42.856, 2.818-45.028, and 5.310-33.677, P < 0.05). Compared with patients with profound audiogram, ascending audiogram and flat audiogram were related to therapeutic performance (OR = 13.373 and 14.481, 95% CI = 5.310-33.677, 6.509-32.217, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of CSSNHL patients was related to the onset of treatment, the degree of hearing loss, and the audiogram curve type. Patients who received earlier treatment, had lighter hearing loss and the ascending and flat audiograms exhibited improved prognosis.

[Multifactorial analysis of the degree of hearing loss and outcome in patients with sudden hearing loss]

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the severity and curative effect of hearing loss and clinical indicators in patients with sudden hearing loss （SHL）. Methods:The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between the efficacy of SHL and clinical indicators.A total of two hundred and seventy-three patients with SHL were selected and divided into three quantile groups according to the average hearing threshold of the the involved ear frequency of the first pure tone audiometry at admission. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between initial hearing level and clinical indicators of SHL patients. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between efficacy of SHL and clinical indicators. Results:Compared with patients with lower hearing loss （≤50 dB HL），patients with higher hearing loss （>50 dB HL） had higher Neutrophil, Monocyte, Triglycerides, Hemoglobin, Fibrinogen, Glucose, Neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio （NHR）, Monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, Monocyte/lymphocyte cell ratio, age, dizziness, and lower Platelet/ lymphocyte cell ratio and High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and poor final hearing threshold.Multivariate logistic regression showed that NHR and age were independent risk factors for initial hearing loss in SHL patients.And the NHR, Neutrophil/lymphocyte cell ratio （NLR）, course of disease, type of hearing curve, and final hearing threshold were significantly negatively correlated with curative effect. Conclusion:SHL patients with higher NHR and NLR values, the longer time from onset to visit, and the more severe hearing loss had worse efficacy.However, SHL patients with higher NHR and age values had greater initial hearing loss,the degree of hearing loss and curative effect are different in SHL patients with different types of hearing threshold curve and age.

Assessment of seasonal pattern of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

A seasonal trend of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss may direct research into possible aetiology.

METHODS

This study reviewed data from the medical records of patients who presented from 2004 to 2019 and who were diagnosed with new-onset idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Seasonal pattern was assessed using chi-square and Rayleigh tests, and further confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation.

RESULTS

The study included 740 patients with a mean age of 48.3 years and a median age of 49 years. There was no statistical evidence for a difference in the distribution of sensorineural hearing loss cases for the four seasons of each year or with the cumulative data. New-onset idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss cases averaged around 11 per month; there was no statistical evidence for a seasonal difference, as determined either by the Rayleigh test or with Monte Carlo simulation.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence to support the claim that idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss incidence displays a seasonal pattern. More research is necessary to explore potential external factors such as climate or infection.

Çocuklarda ani sensörinöral işitme kaybı: etiyoloji, prognostik faktörler ve tedavi sonuçları

Aim: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) may have a negative impact on the language and psychological development of children, especially if it is not diagnosed early and treated promptly. This study were aimed to determine and compare the etiological factors, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in the pediatric patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of SSNHL. Materials and Methods: The files of 28 children were analyzed retrospectively. In pure tone audiometry, the average of pure tone thresholds of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz were accepted as pure tone averages (PTAV). Patients' recovery status was determined according to Siegel criteria. Audiometric curve types were evaluated as ascending, descending, and flat. Results: The ages of patients with SSNHL was mean ± SD 14.89 ± 3.24 (min-max: 7 and 18). The pre-treatment PTAV was mean ± SD 55.27 ± 12.39 dB HL (min-max: 38.5 and 85.25 dB HL) and the PTAV after treatment was mean ± SD 23.13 ± 18.22 dB HL (min-max: 5 and 72.5 dB HL). Audiometric curve types were detected as descending curve (n: 11, 39.2%), ascending curve (n: 5, 17.9%), flat curve (n: 12, 44.9%). Eighteen (64.3%) patients had complete recovery, 8 (28.6%) patients had partial recovery, and 2 (7.1%) patients had no recovery after the treatment. Conclusion: The response to treatment was found to be high. Descending audiometric curve type was found as a positive prognostic factor. Although the presence of tinnitus was a better prognostic factor than the presence of vertigo.

COVID-19 and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

A growing body of evidence suggests that patients with the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have a risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The pathogenesis of COVID-19-related SSNHL remains unclear. This systematic review examined whether COVID-19 causes an increased incidence of SSNHL and the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19-related SSNHL according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. SSNHL usually developed between a few days and 2 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19, and a proportion of patients developed it before the diagnosis of COVID-19. The literature is inconsistent regarding whether COVID-19 causes an increased incidence of SSNHL, and this matter remains unclear. This review included 23 patients with COVID-19-related SSNHL, all adult patients with an average age of 43.1 years. Of these patients, 60.9% had accompanying tinnitus symptoms. Glucocorticoids are the preferred medication to treat COVID-19-related SSNHL. Intratympanic administration may be considered to reduce the side effects of the drug. Hearing tests are suggested when hearing loss is suspected in COVID-19 individuals, and if SSNHL is detected, prompt and aggressive treatment is vital. Large-scale, multicenter research on the pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of COVID-19- related SSNHL should be conducted in the future.

Clinical features and prognostic factors of children with profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features and factors affecting the prognosis of children with profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 147 children with profound SSNHL who received inpatient treatment at our department from January 2016 to January 2021. All children were administered with systemic steroid therapy and/or intratympanic steroid (ITS) treatment for 2 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed for the clinical features, treatment effectiveness, and factors affecting the prognosis using SPSS 23.0.

RESULTS

The median age of the study population was 8 (6-10) years. The median treatment onset time was 8 (4-20) days. The most common concomitant symptom was tinnitus (45.58%). Laboratory findings showed that the percentages of children with abnormal leukocytes was 25.85%, abnormal platelet counts was 17.01%, abnormal cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies was 36.73% and abnormal Epstein-Barr (EB) virus IgG antibodies was 41.50%. The overall recovery rate of the treatment was 20.04%. The univariate analysis showed that age, treatment onset time, tinnitus, and ITS treatment were associated with the prognosis (p < 0.05). Regarding laboratory findings, the neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio differed significantly between the effective and invalid treatment effect groups (p < 0.05). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that treatment onset time [odds ratio (OR) = 0.936, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.881-0.994] and ITS treatment (OR = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.044-0.0687) correlated with hearing recovery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the earlier the treatment start time of children with profound SSNHL, the better was the prognosis. Further, ITS could be an effective treatment option.

[Corticosteroids for acute sensorineural hearing loss treatment. The contemporary state of problem. Literature review. Part 1]

The article presents modern literary data relating to the expediency of the purpose of glucocorticosteroids in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) of various genes. In detail, the radar molecular mechanisms and the anatomo-physiological features of the exposure to the inner ear, side effects, the introduction methods, their comparative efficacy and modern schemes of the SSHL.

Vestibular function of pediatric patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: based on vertigo symptom and vestibular function testing

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vestibular and auditory functions in pediatric patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).

METHODS

A total of 30 pediatric patients experiencing unilateral SSHL between 5.9 and 13.0 years of age were enrolled in this study. Pure tone audiometry was evaluated prior to treatment initiation and again after one month of treatment. Prior to treatment initiation, vertigo symptoms were noted; then several vestibular function tests were conducted including caloric testing, ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (o-VEMPs) and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c-VEMPs). Associations between pre and post-treatment vestibular function and hearing threshold levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

Initial hearing thresholds of children with vertigo were higher than thresholds of children without vertigo (92 dB vs 79 dB, P = 0.033), while initial hearing thresholds of children with abnormal caloric test findings were higher than thresholds of children with normal caloric test findings (93 dB vs 67 dB, P = 0.014). Cutoff values of hearing thresholds for those with vertigo symptoms and abnormal vestibular test results were 86.000- and 89.583-dB HL, respectively. Regarding prognosis, children with vertigo exhibited lower recovery rates than children without vertigo (33% vs 75%, P = 0.025); recovery rates of children with abnormal caloric test results were lower than the overall recovery rate (25% vs 73%, respectively, P = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Assessments of vertigo symptoms and vestibular function are useful tools in predicting pediatric SSHL patient disease severity and prognosis.

Study of Hearing Status in COVID-19 Patients: A Multicentered Review

To evaluate the hearing status of COVID-19 patients and compare with control group. Prospective study carried out in 9 institutes. The pure tone audiogram and impedance audiometry of COVID-19 patients performed initially and at 3 months follow up. The control group consisted COVID-19 negative individuals with no history of ear related diseases. The average of air and bone conduction threshold (AC and BC) were compared between the COVID-19 patients and control group using independent t-test with a p value of less than 0.05 considered significant. Total of 331 patients, age 32 ± 4.3 years, 66.7% males and 33.3% females were included in the study. There were 80 individuals in the control group. Aural symptoms were, tinnitus in 1.8%, aural fullness in 1.4%, hearing loss in 3. 9%, and ear ache in 1.8% were present initially, resolved at 3 months follow up. The impedance audiometry demonstrated type B and type C curve in 5.1% and 1.15% ears, and out of these 64.7% and 40% improved at 3 months follow up respectively. No significant difference observed between the average AC and BC of the COVID-19 patients and control group. The COVID-19 infection may present with aural symptoms; however, it was concluded that there was no significant difference in the hearing status of the COVID-19 positive patients in comparison to the control group. The presence of some changes in the normal functioning of the eustachian tube and middle ear in the COVID-19 infection was also highlighted.

Radiologic Findings in Pediatric Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss (pSSNHL) is a rare phenomenon. There is currently no consensus on the role of imaging in the work-up for this patient population. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) studies in determining the etiology of pSSNHL.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary Hospital and Ambulatory Otolaryngology Clinic.

PATIENTS

Patients ≤18 years of age with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and who had either MRI or CT imaging between January 2010 and May 2019 were included.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic imaging.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical characteristics and radiology impressions.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients were identified, and 10 had unilateral SSNHL. MRI was performed on all patients, five patients had additional CT imaging. Abnormal imaging findings relevant to SSNHL were observed in five patients (45.5%), which included enlarged endolymphatic duct and sac, labyrinthine ossification, apical petrositis, hypoplastic cochlear nerve, and arachnoid cyst in the internal auditory canal; one patient had unrelated findings (enlarged pituitary gland), all remaining imaging studies were normal.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort, we found a higher imaging yield on pSSNHL than what has been reported for adult populations, indicating that the use of imaging in the diagnostic work-up is especially important in children.

Paediatric Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Pooled Analysis and Systematic Review

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as hearing loss of ≥30 dB in one or both ears, developing within 3 days, affecting ≥3 contiguous frequencies. It is rare in children, but if untreated can cause significant morbidity. During the critical developmental period, it may cause lifelong social, behavioral, and mental sequelae. Currently, little guidance exists on prognosis and management within a pediatric population. A systematic literature review of pediatric SSNHL on PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL database was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. A total of 620 papers met the Medical Subject Headings criteria, of which 14 met analysis criteria-13 were level 4 and 1 was level 2b evidence. A population of 732 individuals was analyzed. Most reported cases of pediatric SSNHL were idiopathic. Other etiologies included viral infection, trauma, ototoxic drugs, and structural abnormalities. Recovery was defined as any improvement in hearing after the initial loss, from "slight" to "complete." Recovery ranged from 20% to 100%, with a pooled rate of 56%. Systemic steroids were the mainstay of treatment, although salvage intratympanic steroid therapy had a role after the failure of systemic steroids. Children with bilateral SSNHL had poorer outcomes than those with unilateral loss, with 29% showing improvement. Two studies reported outcomes with no treatment, for which recovery rate was 7%. This analysis of SSNHL shows that 61% of children with unilateral and 29% of children with bilateral SSNHL demonstrate some recovery, a worse prognosis than adults. Multiple treatment regimens exist, although comparison is challenging owing to inconsistently reported improvement parameters.

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is uncommon in children, and its treatment and outcome are debated. We aimed to critically review evidence in the literature about treatment options and functional outcomes of pediatric ISSNHL. Additionally, we performed a meta-analysis of the results of combined systemic-intratympanic steroid therapy versus solely systemic treatment.

Data Sources

A search was run in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

Review Methods

Included articles were original ISSNHL case series, written in English, with a population age ranging from 2 to 19 years. Other study types (single case reports, editorials, and reviews) and case series with known etiology of sudden hearing loss were excluded. Descriptive data of patients, treatments, outcomes, and possible prognostic factors were extracted and recorded for every included study.

Results

Twelve articles (7 cohort and 5 case-control studies) met all the selection criteria. Based on only the studies that provided sufficient data about clinical outcome, the pooled overall recovery rate was 67.91% (95% CI, 58.34%-77.48%). No studies showed a significant difference between systemic steroid and combined systemic-intratympanic steroid. The pooled odds ratio for combined systemic-intratympanic steroid versus systemic steroid alone was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.36-2.27) based on a random effects model, ruling out any significant difference between these treatment options.

Conclusions

The results of our meta-analysis did not support combination therapy more than systemic steroid alone. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to establish evidence-based therapies.

Pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Experience in a pediatric ENT emergency care center

OBJECTIVES

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is relatively rare and its physiopathology remains unclear, particularly in children. Our goal was to evaluate clinical characteristics, etiologies, management, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in the pediatric population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all children registered for SSNHL between August 2004 and September 2017 in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. We analysed data regarding clinical symptoms, audiological characteristics, diagnostic investigations and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were included. Mean age was 12 years (range 4-18 years). Male:female ratio was 15:20. Hearing loss was left-sided for 18 patients, right-sided for 12 patients and bilateral for 5 patients. Degree of hearing loss varied from mild to profound across frequencies in the 40 ears studied. Thirty-four patients had associated otologic symptoms: the most frequent was tinnitus (28 ears), followed by vertigo (23 ears), otalgia (5 ears) and sensation of blocked ear (5 ears). Twenty-nine patients received systemic steroids and 3 intra-tympanic steroids. In the treated group, 69% had improvement on the audiograms (14% total, 55% partial). Vestibular tests were performed in 16 patients and were abnormal in 10 patients. Radiological examination included computed tomography scan (n = 16) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 33). They revealed 2 bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueducts, 1 labyrinthitis, 1 intra-cochlear haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

SSNHL can affect speech and language development in children. There are differences among the pediatric population, including inner ear malformation and immune disease. Specific work up is proposed. Appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic management are discussed.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children-Management and Outcomes: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify which patient characteristics and treatments are associated with hearing improvement in patients with pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for articles published before February 5, 2019, and references of relevant articles were screened. Original English-language case series and cohort studies were included if they addressed SSNHL in patients <20 years of age. Study characteristics, patient demographics, symptoms, treatments, and hearing outcomes were extracted. The primary outcome was hearing improvement.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included, totaling 605 patients (670 ears). Hearing did not improve in 46.7% of ears (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.4% to 59.0%). Imaging (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging) results were described in three studies, and 24.2% of ears (95% CI: 7.7% to 40.6%) had abnormal findings. The most common serological finding was cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (Ig)G or IgM (34.3% of ears tested, 95% CI: -2.9% to 71.6%). Unilateral hearing loss (odds ratio [OR]:3.85, P < .001), tinnitus (OR: 2.20, P = .003), age >12 years (OR: 2.11, P = .002), and ascending audiogram (OR: 3.66, P = .005), but not systemic or intratympanic steroids, were associated with increased odds of partial or complete improvement. In contrast, profound hearing loss (OR: 0.29, P < .001) and treatment delay of >6 days (OR: 0.27, P < .001) were associated with decreased odds of improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite treatment, half of patients had no improvement in hearing. Prognostic factors associated with hearing improvement were generally consistent with those established in the adult population. Further research with consistent definitions for hearing improvement is needed to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric SSNHL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Laryngoscope, 131:425-434, 2021.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: A Report of 75 Cases

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics, treatment, and prognostic factors of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in children.

METHODS

Seventy-five cases (78 ears) of SSNHL in children from February 2011 to June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. We scrutinized the clinical manifestations, audiological assessments, and serologic examinations of these pediatric cases by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis methods. The patients were divided into four groups according to their audiometric curve type: ascending, descending, flat, and profound.

RESULTS

Of the 75 patients (78 ears), 25 patients were in the ascending group (32.00%), 9 patients were in the descending group (12.00%), 17 patients were in the flat group (22.67%), and 24 patients were in the profound group (32.32%). The overall recovery rates (complete + partial + slight) of the different groups were as follows: ascending group, 96.00%; flat group, 76.47%; profound group, 50.00%; and descending group, 44.44%. The overall recovery rate of all patients was 70.67%. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the type of audiometric curve and the interval from onset to intervention were two independent risk factors that correlated with the prognosis of SSNHL in children. Some children had positive cytomegaoviyns, rubella virus, and herpes simplex virus immunoglobulin G antibodies. Twenty-one children were treated with additional intratympanic methylprednisolone as salvage therapy and 13 of these children showed improved (complete + partial + slight) recoveries. Three children had postauricular compound betamethasone injections, but none of them showed improvement. One of three children recovered slightly after treatment with intratympanic methylprednisolone combined with postauricular betamethasone injection.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of SSNHL in children is closely related to the type of audiometric curve and the onset of treatment. Intratympanic methylprednisolone and compound betamethasone injected postauricularly could be effective for SSNHL in children.

Pediatric Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: A Rare, But Treatable Condition

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare, but treatable cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children. Most cases present acutely and involve both ears. The precise mechanism of hearing loss in AIED is not known. Many suspected etiologies have been proposed including infections, vascular abnormalities, and trauma. However, 70% of cases are defined as idiopathic. There are no standardized diagnostic criteria for AIED, and the diagnostic process may be challenging. Positive auto antibodies and response to immunosuppressive therapy support the diagnosis. Treatment may include corticosteroids and steroid-sparing immunosuppressive medications. A high index of suspicion is recommended as the hearing loss may be stabilized or even reversed with early treatment. Long-term medical treatment failures generally have good outcomes with cochlear implantation. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(10):e391-e394.].

Predictive values of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other prognostic factors in pediatric idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

No consensus has been reached regarding the optimum treatment or factors affecting prognosis in pediatric idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) due to its rarity. In the present study, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of ISSNHL were investigated in pediatric patients who underwent steroid therapy.

SUBJECTS

and Methods: Forty-two patients diagnosed with ISSNHL were enrolled in this retrospective study and compared with 39 normal healthy controls with respect to demography and complete blood cell count test results. In addition, prognosis factors were sought by dividing the 42 ISSNHL patients to 3 groups according to their response to the treatment.

RESULTS

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) value in the ISSNHL group were significantly higher than in the control group. NLR value in the three treatment response groups differed significantly. Early treatment with steroid and accompanying tinnitus were positive prognostic factor for hearing recovery. Other characteristics were not significant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that good hearing recovery in children may be associated with early time of initial treatment and accompanying tinnitus. Also, NLR value might be useful readily accessible prognostic markers in pediatric ISSNHL patients. Further studies are required to confirm prognostic factors useful to predict prognosis and treat ISSNHL in pediatric patients.

Declining prevalence of pediatric sudden deafness during the past two decades

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the prevalence of sudden deafness (SD) in children to investigate the evolution of pediatric SD during the past two decades.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2005, totaling 358 SD patients were experienced. Of them, 25 patients (7%) aged <15 years were assigned to Group A. In contrast, 5 patients (2%) aged <15 years of 242 SD patients encountered during the period 2006-2015 were assigned to Group B. All patients underwent audiovestibular function testing.

RESULTS

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination reached to 95% vaccination rate in Taiwan after 1994. As 1994 (MMR vaccination years) + 11 (mean age of pediatric SD) equals 2005, this study found that declining prevalence of pediatric SD was from 7% (1996-2005) to 2% (2006-2015) at our hospital, consistent with declining annual cases of SD in Taiwan during the past decades. A significantly higher abnormality rate of mean hearing level (93%) than abnormal caloric responses (20%) was identified indicating that pediatric SD predominately affected the cochlear partition.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of pediatric SD cases has significantly declined during the past 20 years, probably due to global vaccination policy. Other causal factors such as growing numbers of hospital and advancement in radiological diagnostic technique may also contribute to the declining prevalence.

Side-related differences in sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children

OBJECTIVE

Most studies on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) do not differentiate the outcomes within varied affected ears in children. The present study was designed to determine the clinical differences between unilateral and bilateral SSNHL in children.

METHODS

The clinical data, from a total of 101 pediatric patients with SSNHL, was retrospectively analyzed from January 2003 to December 2016. The main outcome measures included basic characteristics, etiology, clinical symptoms and treatment courses.

RESULTS

When the bilateral group (n = 28) was compared to the unilateral group (n = 73), neither gender nor onset of SSNHL was significantly different (p > 0.05 each); However, bilateral SSNHL tended to occur in younger ages (8.1 ± 4.0 yrs), with higher percentages of suspected etiologies (50%) and proportion of profound deafness (55.4%, p < 0.05 each). The short-term recovery rate was superior in the unilateral cases over the bilateral cases (37.0% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.05). Milder initial hearing threshold, early onset of treatment (5.6 ± 4.8 days) with unilateral involvement and an older age (11.3 ± 3.0 yrs) in bilaterally affected cases were associated with a better prognosis in this cohort. In addition, the unilateral group showed comparable outcomes, when sub-analyzed by comparison to that in either left- (n = 42) or right-sided (n = 31) SSNHL.

CONCLUSION

Although bilateral and unilateral pediatric SSNHL could cause partial to complete cochlear lesion, they may be relevant to distinct backgrounds. Our data also provides valuable information about demographics and outcomes of SSNHL in children.

Delayed Recovery in Pediatric Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Predicted via Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objectives:

To evaluate the potential origins via magnetic resonance imaging and the relevant hearing recovery course of pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed data of 25 pediatric patients from our center with sudden sensorineural hearing loss from January 2011 to December 2016. All individuals were closely followed up at baseline and 1 and 6 months.

Results:

Magnetic resonance imaging identified presumed causes in 9 cases, 5 of which showed intralabyrinthine hyperintensity, suggesting presumptive intralabyrinthine hemorrhage. The remaining 20 patients showed no hyperintensity. Restoration of hearing and speech discrimination abilities were noted in these 25 children at 6 months versus the initial levels (74.2 ± 22.6 vs 93.5 ± 20.5 dB, p = .000, and 45.8 ± 36.0 vs. 18.3 ± 22.1%, p = .004, respectively). The prognosis of the individuals with intralabyrinthine hemorrhage were superior in terms of frequency and hearing threshold at 6 months compared with that of the no-hemorrhage participants. Word recognition scores improved in either studied group.

Conclusion:

The potential recovery of hearing in children raises concerns about very early surgical intervention within the first 6 months. Rational imaging and sequential audiometric evaluation to monitor the progression of recovery may be beneficial.

Herpes simplex virus-1 and cytomegalovirus DNAs detection in the inner ear of implanted patients with non-congenital infection

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) genome in perilymph of patients with negative serology or clinical history for congenital infections supports the hypothesis that Herpesviridae, even after acquired postnatal infections, could remain in latent phase in the spiral ganglion and damage the cochlea by a possible subsequent reactivation. Further studies are needed to identify the markers of such reactivation.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the presence of certain viral species in the endolabyrinthic fluid of deaf patients with non-congenital infection. The research of viral DNA within the inner ear is the only direct way to increase our knowledge about the viral role in postnatal damage to the cochlea.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients (1-69 years) suffering from bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were subjected, during cochlear implant (CI) surgery, to a sample taking of inner ear fluid. Several types of viral genome (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV and Enterovirus) were investigated in each sample through multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Radiological exams, serology (specific IgG and IgM) and PCR of peripheral blood were also performed.

RESULTS

While the research of the viral genome in peripheral blood was negative in all patients, multiplex PCR on endolabyrinthic fluid samples was positive in three patients (two cases of CMV-DNA and one case of HSV-1 DNA).

The effects of spinal anesthesia on auditory function in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

Persistent or transient hearing loss (HL) is a less-recognized complication of spinal anesthesia (SA) in the pediatric population, although it has been previously reported in adults. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SA on auditory function in the pediatric population.

METHODS

After gaining institutional approval and parental consent, 30 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II children between 4 and 15 years undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Spinal blocks were performed in the midline with a 25G Quincke needle using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests were administered before surgery and one-day postoperative. Children with detected HL were retested on postoperative day seven. Preoperative and postoperative results were compared. A Wilcoxin Signed-Ranks test (with Bonferroni correction) was used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant HL in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period. In 29 of 30 patients, no difference was detected at any frequency tested. In one patient, TEOAE and DPOAE tests were found to be decreased on postoperative day one. In this patient, control tests were found to be improved on postoperative day seven.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of SA may results in a low probability of transient hearing loss with no clinical significance in children 4-15 years of age.

Pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Etiology, diagnosis and treatment in 20 children

OBJECTIVES

1. To report our experience in children with sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). 2. To describe the etiology and management of children with SSNHL.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 20 children with SSNHL, from 2000 to 2013 at a tertiary pediatric facility. Patients had the following inclusion criteria: history of normal hearing, hearing loss occurring in less than 3 days, and audiogram documentation.

RESULTS

The average age of patients presenting with SSNHL is 11 years 3 months (22months-18years). Only 6 (30%) children presented prior to 2 weeks. Tinnitus (55%) was the most common associated symptoms followed by otalgia (25%), and vertigo (20%). Eight patients had bilateral hearing loss, 6 only right and 6 only left. Hearing loss severity ranged from profound (45%) being most common to mild. Etiology was unknown (30%), viral (25%), anatomic abnormality (25%), Meniere's disease (5%), autoimmune (5%), perilymphatic fistula (5%), and suppurative labyrinthitis (5%). Eight patients had initial treatment with oral steroids of which 50% had improvement on audiograms. Two patients underwent intratympanic injections, both showed improvement. Of the 12 patients with no treatment, only 1 had improved hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

The true incidence of pediatric SSNHL is not well established in our literature. Unique aspects of pediatric SSNHL are delayed presentation and higher percent of anatomic findings. In our study 70% presented more than 2 weeks after experiencing symptoms. Anatomic abnormalities are in 40% of patients. Hearing improvement occurred in 50% of children treated with oral steroids. Intratympanic steroid treatment is another option but may have practical limitation in the pediatric population.