Influence of Comorbidities and Medications on Recovery from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Standard Treatment

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

11:42 AM - 11:48 AM EDT

Location: 239

Disclosure(s):

Lucienna M. Wolf, BS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is an otologic emergency characterized by rapid onset and unclear etiology. Recovery outcomes vary widely, even with standard treatment using oral and intratympanic steroids. Comorbidities and medications may influence recovery by altering physiological or immune responses. This study presents preliminary findings from a 10-year retrospective review investigating the impact of comorbidities and medications on hearing recovery following standard treatment modalities.

Methods: This retrospective review (IRB# 20230698) included 275 SSHL patients treated at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Ear Institute. Charts were analyzed for comorbidities, concurrent medications, treatment modalities, and recovery outcomes, classified per AAO-HNS guidelines as no response, partial recovery, or complete recovery. Frequencies were calculated for prevalent comorbidities and medications, while multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) identified clustering patterns. Logistic regression models assessed predictors of recovery.

Results: Logistic regression models explained 27.44% of the variance in recovery outcomes. Allergic conditions showed a significant positive association with recovery (OR: 2.66, p< 0.01), while anxiety, GERD, diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension had no significant impact (p>0.05). Asthma showed a positive but nonsignificant trend. Among the medications most commonly identified within our cohort, no significant impact was observed on recovery outcomes when used alongside standard treatment modalities.

Conclusions: Allergic conditions positively influence recovery, suggesting a role for immune modulation in SSHL treatment. Common comorbidities like hypertension, GERD, and diabetes had no significant impact. Among the concomitant medications most commonly associated with our cohort, recovery outcomes varied, though no obvious effects were observed in this preliminary analysis. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized management strategies and further research into SSHL pathogenesis.

Presenting Author(s)

Lucienna M. Wolf, BS

Medical Student
Chicago Medical School @ Rosalind Franklin University
Winnetka, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

EW

Erin Williams, MSBE CCRP

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

MH

Michael E. Hoffer, MD

Neurotologist
University of Miami Health System / Jackson Memorial Hospital
Miami, FL, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Co-Author(s)

Devin J. Kennedy, BS

Medical Student
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, FL, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
VY

Valerie Yunis, BS

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
AL

Addison Lana, BS

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Matthew D. Wiefels, MD

Resident
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.