Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) refers to the sudden and unexplained sensorineural hearing loss within 72 h and a decrease in hearing of ≥30 dB affecting at least 3 consecutive frequencies. It is one of the common emergencies in neurology and otolaryngology. Early etiological evaluation and systematic and targeted treatment are very important for delaying the progression of SSNHL and restoring hearing. Recent studies have shown that SSNHL overlaps with vascular risk factors of ischemic stroke, and may predict the risk of ischemic stroke. SSNHL may be one of the clinical manifestation and even the prodromal symptoms of ischemic stroke, especially the infarction of the blood supply area of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or its branch internal auditory artery. Although these factors can not fully reveal the relationship between SSNHL and ischemic stroke, they are enough to warn clinicians that they should consider the possibility of ischemic stroke when receiving patients with SSNHL. Screening of vascular risk factors for patients with SSNHL as early as possible is helpful to avoid the risk of recurrence of ischemic stroke.