Explorative data analysis of risk factors for acute sensorineural hearing loss

Aside from the clinical picture, the frequent occurrence of vascular risk f actors favors a vascular pathogenesis of acute sensorineural hearing loss. However, the data on the association of vascular risk factors with sensorin eural hearing toss are controversial. Achieving a sufficient number of pati ents and establishing a suitable control group is difficult. We analyzed th e data of 393 patients suffering from acute sensorineural hearing toss. Ris k factors, general, audiological, and laboratory parameters were investigat ed. Mean hearing loss and remission during 10 days of hospital treatment we re calculated. The patient group was divided into patients with a certain r isk factor and those without this risk factor, and mean remission and heari ng loss were compared. Patients suffering from hyperlipidemia or hypotensio n had substantial and significantly higher mean hearing losses than patient s not suffering from these diseases. Thrombosis, embolism, and hypertension were associated with a significantly worse remission of hearing loss. Repe ated episodes of sensorineural hearing loss showed a significant worse remi ssion, but less mean hearing loss before therapy. Smoking, diabetes mellitu s, infections of the upper airways, and allergies had no influence on remis sion and mean hearing loss.