Prognostic factors of sudden hearing loss in children.

OBJECTIVE Sudden hearing loss in children under 15 years old is rare and its pathophysiology remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to define prognostic factors of sudden hearing loss in children under 15 years old. METHODS Among the patients referred to our institution during the period 1990-1999 for sudden hearing loss, 12 children were considered eligible for this study (mean age=9.5 years old). Patients were divided into three groups according to hearing recovery and seven putative prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS Total hearing recovery (group I: 90-100%) occurred in 28.5% of cases, partial hearing recovery (group II: 11-89%) occurred in 28.5% of cases and absence of recovery (group III: 0-10%) was reported in 43% of cases. Factors such as age, sex, and bilaterality of hearing loss were not correlated with hearing recovery. CONCLUSIONS Initial severe hearing loss, associated vertigo and 'downward' audiometric curve were three negative prognostic factors of hearing recovery. Tinnitus has only been reported in children with partial or total hearing recovery.