Sudden hearing loss: a clinical survey.

After a brief statistic survey of general aspects the variety of clinical findings in sudden hearing loss is demonstrated by numerous observations. These illustrate the questionable role of supposed causes, the different modes of onset and course of sudden hearing loss, the audiometric findings and concomitant symptoms. The situation of both ears prior to the acute loss seems to be of great importance and offers a frame for classification, which is of clinical relevance. These features and others are discussed with regard to common theories on the etiology of sudden hearing loss. The difficulties in assessing therapeutic effects are pointed out considering the high rate of spontaneous recovery.