Correlation of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with White Matter Lesions

YU Kun; JIANG Zhenhua; WANG Juanjuan; MENG Yuanyuan

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-2922.2024.06.017

Abstract：Objective This study aims to determine whether there is a higher incidence of white matter lesions(WML)in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared to a control group,and its correlation between with cardiovascular risk factors.Methods Clinical data from 311 patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology,Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital,from May 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.MRI was used to detect WMLs.According to the Fazekas scale,participants were divided into a WML group(n=201)and a NWML group(n=110).Pure-tone average thresholds were compared between the two groups before and 7 days after treatment.Improvement in hearing was assessed according to the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of sudden deafness(2015).Results The WML patients exhibited a significantly higher incidence of total deafness and severs hearing loss compared to the NWML group,with significant differences between.the two groups in pre-treatment PTA,pro-treatment PTA and hearing improvement.Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age,hypertension,diabetes,pre-treatment PTA,total deafness,and level of hearing loss were significantly associated with WML.Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age,flat deafness pattern,and a lower Fazekas score were associated with good recovery.Conclusion The presence of WML in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss appears to be associated with a poor response to treatment.The combination of WML,older age,and total deafness tends to increase the risk of a poor prognosis.These can be used to predict treatment outcomes.