Abstract
Background and Aim: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergency characterized by sudden 30-dB sensorineural hearing loss in at least 3 contiguous frequencies occurring over a 72-hour period. SSNHL often affects healthy individuals and is a frightening symptom that prompts individuals to seek urgent medical attention. It usually occurs unilaterally but bilateral cases are also noticed. The aim of this study is to determine the treatment outcome of patients with SSNHL seen and managed at the ENT Department UDUTH Sokoto within the study period.
Patients and Methods: This study included a total of 12 patients diagnosed with SSNHL and managed at the ENT Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto from September 2015 to September 2024. The cases were reviewed retrospectively based on clinical charts. Hearing improvement was evaluated in relation to Puretone audiogram results, duration between onset of SSNHL onset and time of initial treatment.
Results: Age 11–20 years were commonly affected with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. All the patients presented with profound SSNHL. Hearing improvement was observed in 7 of 12 (58.4%) of patients within the first 3–4 days of treatment followed by rapid hearing recovery.
Conclusion: SSNHL often affects healthy individuals and is a frightening symptom that prompts individuals to seek urgent medical attention. Patients that presented early (within 24 hours) has better chances of complete hearing recovery.