To further classify refractory low-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss（SSNHL） and investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic differences among various subtypes.
The proposed reclassification of low-frequency SSNHL subtypes is hypothesis-generating; audiologists should monitor for formal validation before adopting new classification criteria in clinical practice.
Refining how low-frequency SSNHL is classified could improve prognostic accuracy and guide treatment selection, particularly for refractory cases.
- 01Study proposes a new sub-classification for low-frequency type sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
- 02Focuses on refractory subtypes — cases that do not respond to standard treatment.
- 03Examines clinical characteristics and prognosis differences across proposed subgroups.
- 04Better classification may reduce misdiagnosis with early Menière's disease.
- 05Limited to a Chinese clinical cohort; external validity needs confirmation.
Low-frequency SSNHL can be meaningfully reclassified into subtypes with distinct clinical characteristics and prognoses.
studypartially supportedRefractory subtypes of low-frequency SSNHL have distinct prognostic profiles from standard low-frequency SSNHL.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42208968
- DOI
- 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2026.06.009.
- Journal
- Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Patients with low-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Intervention
- Clinical reclassification scheme for low-frequency SSNHL
Primary outcomes
Clinical characteristics by proposed subtype; Prognosis of refractory low-frequency SSNHL subtypes