Detailed vestibular subtyping and prognostic implications in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is often accompanied by vertigo and vestibular dysfunction; however, the characteristics and prognostic significance of different vestibular dysfunction patterns remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibular dysfunction patterns in patients with ISSNHL and explore their associations with clinical characteristics and hearing prognosis.

Detailed vestibular subtyping at diagnosis of ISSNHL may offer prognostic value for predicting hearing recovery, supporting the case for comprehensive vestibular testing as part of the ISSNHL workup — though clinical adoption should await prospective validation.

Identifying vestibular subtypes in ISSNHL could enable more targeted prognosis and potentially guide treatment decisions, improving outcomes for a condition with highly variable recovery rates.

1. 01ISSNHL patients were classified into distinct vestibular subtypes based on inner-ear balance test results.
2. 02Vestibular subtype at presentation was associated with differences in hearing recovery outcomes.
3. 03Study published in Hearing Research, a peer-reviewed specialist journal.
4. 04Findings support comprehensive vestibular evaluation as part of the ISSNHL diagnostic workup.
5. 05Results are prognostic rather than directly treatment-changing at this stage.

PMID

42322670

DOI

10.1016/j.heares.2026.109705.

Journal

Hearing Research

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Patients diagnosed with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL)

Intervention

Detailed vestibular subtyping using inner-ear balance assessments

Comparator

Standard ISSNHL classification without detailed vestibular subtyping