A clinical analysis on acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss(ALHL) patients,and to sum up experience of diagnosis and treatment.Methods Clinical characteristics and audiometric results of 32 patients with ALHL were retrospective analyzed between Jul.2006 and Feb.2010.Results 32 patients(32 ears) were 26~48 years old,male 10 cases(31.26%),female 22 cases(68.75%).The pure tone average of 125-500Hz was 35-45dBHL.22 ears complicated tinnitus.28 ears complicated ear fullness and 9 ears complicated hyperakusis.The rate of DPOAE evoked was 16.2% in low-tone and 84.2% in high-tone.Conclusion ALHL appears to occur unilaterally,often complicates low-tone tinnitus and ear fullness.Audiometric test are characterized by low-frequency hearing loss.Its pathophysiology likely involves an array of abnormalities including endolymphatic hydrops,autoimmune disorders and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.