Effects of Glycemic Control on Hearing Outcomes in Diabetes Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the effects of glycemic control on the hearing outcomes of type 2 diabetes patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL).

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes patients with ISSHL were enrolled. All patients were admitted for 5 days and received systemic corticosteroid treatment. Patients were divided into groups according to their degree of glycemic control pre- (glycosylated hemoglobin) and post- (mean blood glucose) onset of ISSHL. Demographic, audiometric, and hearing outcome data were analyzed. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors affecting the hearing outcomes in these patients.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-four patients were enrolled. The hearing recovery rates were as follows: complete recovery, 19%; partial recovery, 15%; slight improvement, 22%; and no improvement, 44%. Initial hearing levels and diabetes duration were significantly higher in the pre-onset poor-controlled group (glycosylated hemoglobin ≥ 7.0%) than those in the well-controlled group. The hearing recovery rates did not differ significantly pre- or post-onset. In a multivariate analysis, duration from hearing loss onset to treatment, presence of vertigo, and initial hearing level were negative prognostic factors that affected hearing recovery.

CONCLUSION

The degree of pre- or post-onset glycemic control did not affect hearing outcomes in patients with ISSHL and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the administration of systemic corticosteroid is required for diabetes patients with ISSHL within allowable blood glucose levels.