Sudden hearing loss in patients with endolymphatic hydrops associated with Meniere's disease

A recent in-depth study examining sudden hearing loss (SHL) has uncovered significant insights into the clinical nuances of this condition, particularly in patients with and without endolymphatic hydrops (EH). This study was published in the Clinical Otolaryngology journal by Cai H. and colleagues.

The study, encompassing 63 individuals experiencing SHL, aimed to compare the clinical features between those with EH and those without. Additionally, researchers sought to explore the connection between SHL, EH, and Ménière's disease (MD). The cohort was divided into EH and non-EH groups based on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging results. Notably, the EH group, comprising 32 patients, exhibited a notably higher prevalence of low-tone descending hearing loss compared to the non-EH group, consisting of 31 patients. Further analysis involved a follow-up of 51 patients over a span of two years, revealing intriguing outcomes.

In the EH group, 11 patients received a diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), while 15 were diagnosed with Ménière's disease. In stark contrast, the non-EH group featured 24 patients diagnosed with SSNHL and only one with Ménière's disease.

A subgroup univariate regression analysis brought forth essential findings. EH, low-tone descending hearing loss, and vertigo emerged as significant risk factors for the diagnosis of Ménière's disease in patients experiencing SHL. Notably, EH stood out as a distinct risk factor for the progression of SHL into Ménière's disease in a multifactor regression analysis.

This comprehensive study sheds light on critical distinctions in the clinical manifestation of SHL based on the presence or absence of EH. Patients with SHL and EH are more likely to exhibit low-tone descending hearing loss, providing valuable clinical insights into the specific characteristics of this condition. Furthermore, the identified association between EH and the subsequent development of Ménière's disease contributes significantly to our understanding of the progression and potential complications associated with sudden hearing loss.

Reference:

Cai, H., Xiao, H., Lin, J., Lin, C., Guo, X., Huang, G., & Ye, S. The value of gadolinium‐enhanced MRI in predicting the development of sudden hearing loss into Ménière’s disease. Clinical Otolaryngology: Official Journal of ENT-UK ; Official Journal of Netherlands Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology & Cervico-Facial Surgery,2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.14116