Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Definition

A rare otorhinolaryngologic condition characterized by sudden hearing loss of at least 30 decibels across three contiguous frequencies, within 72 hours or less, due to acute damage to the cochlear hair cells, resulting from acoustic trauma or mechanical trauma during surgery, or occurring without any known cause. The hearing loss may affect one or both ears. Typical concomitant symptoms are aural fullness, tinnitus, and vertigo. Patients may fully recover or remain with hearing loss of variable intensity.