Role of uric acid and other parameters in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Aim: To investigate the levels of metabolites (predominantly uric acid) effective on biochemical, and coagulation parameters and evaluate their effects on the onset, and course of the disease. Methods: In this retrospective study, files of 92 patients hospitalized between January 2007, and December 2013, in our clinic with established diagnosis of sudden hearing loss were screened. The biochemical (predominantly uric acid), and hematological parameters were compared with those of the control group. In addition, the patient group was divided into two groups according to uric acid levels and the difference between the groups was investigated in terms of the onset or course of the disease. Results: A significant difference was not detected between the patient, and the control groups regarding mean uric acid levels. Among biochemical parameters glucose, creatinine, and international normalized ratio (INR) were significantly higher (p<0.05) while a significant intergroup difference was not detected as for other parameters. A significant intergroup difference was not detected in mean pure- tone averages, and mean hearing gain at admission between two groups formed based on uric acid levels, while post-treatment pure-tone average was significantly better in patients with higher serum uric acid levels. In the patient group, uric acid levels were significantly higher in patients with partial hearing loss relative to those with total loss. Conclusion: In our study, we could not find a significant difference between the patient and the control groups as for uric acid levels. However, we have encountered evidence supporting the possible role of serum uric acid levels in the prognosis of sudden hearing loss.