ABSTRACT
Background: Sudden hearing loss (DHL) is a sudden sensorineural hearing loss effecting et least 3 or more frequencies more than 30 Decibel. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) in the first diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).Methods: Total 24 patients diagnosed with SSHL and 24 control patients included in the study. Serum samples were analyzed retrospectively on the initial presentation.Results: On admission, the NLR was 2.1±1.1 The mean absolute neutrophil count was 7100±400/mm3, and the mean complete lymphocyte count was 3400±1100/mm3. RDW was 11.9±0.6. Eight patients had total healing, 12 patients had partial cure, and two patients had no healing in the study. Statistically significant changes in NLR determined in the measurements between SSHL and control group (p<0.05). Significant differences were not observed in hemoglobin and hematocrit values, lymphocyte counts, RDW measurements between SSHL and control group (p <0.05).Conclusions: In lights of this information we recommend to screen NLR levels in SSHL patients. This may help us follow up patients recovery and if the patients recover from the disease higher level of NLR may create doubt for recurrence of the disease in risky patients.