Is Sudden Hearing Loss Associated with Increased Risk of Atherosclerosis? View PDF

^*Mehdi Bakhshaee
Medicine, Sinus And Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Emmam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University Of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, Islamic Republic Of

^*Corresponding Author:

Mehdi Bakhshaee
Medicine, Sinus And Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Emmam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University Of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, Islamic Republic Of
Email:bakhshaeem@mums.ac.ir

Published on: 2015-08-15

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing-loss (SSNHL) patients constitute approximately 2–3% of referrals to ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics. Several predisposing factors have been proposed for this condition; one of which is vascular disorders and perfusion compromise. In this research the atherosclerotic changes and their known risk factors are studied in SSNHL patients.

Keywords

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss; Atherosclerosis risk factors; Carotid Doppler; High-sensitivity C-reactive protein

Introduction

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as loss of hearing of over 30 dB in three sequential frequencies occurring within 3 days. The annual incidence of SSNHL has been reported to be 10 in 100,000 people.