A Study of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Sudden deafness is defined as the rapid decline of hearing in at least 3 contiguous frequencies without any identifiable cause. The etiology of Sudden deafness is difficult to determine and may include vascular, allergic, traumatic, inflammatory, degenerative oncologic, or genetic conditions. It is not very often to be seen in pregnant women. It is postulated that the sex hormone changes may increase thrombogenic risk and interrupt cochlear microcirculation, causing the development of sudden deafness. METHODS: A total of 1250 pregnant women were screened in a time period of one year, only twenty cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) were noticed. Of which ten patients were observed without any intervention and ten patients underwent intervention with intratympanic corticosteroids. Patient response for treatment was evaluated. Written and informed consent was taken from all the patients involved in the study for further evaluation, treatment and publication of the study. RESULTS: Intravenous with intratympanic corticosteroids is safe and effective therapeutic strategy for pregnant patients with SSNHL Although some patients have a tendency for self-cure. Further study is required to identify the best therapeutic strategy for these patients. CONCLUSION: Standard treatment for SSNHL in pregnancy consists of intratympanic administration of corticosteroids. Some patients recover completely without any medical intervention, often after birth of child, This is called a spontaneous recovery. Others get better slowly over 1-4 week period during pregnancy. Although a good to excellent recovery of hearing is likely.