Herpes zoster does not increase the risk of sudden sensory neural hearing loss: a longitudinal follow-up study using a national sample cohort

In patients who are thought to have a perilymph (PL) fistula, careful inspection of the round and oval windows during exploratory tympanotomy may be normal. The decision must then be made either to terminate the procedure—knowing that the patient's symptoms will probably continue or deteriorate—or to repair both windows as if PL fistulas were present, risking further damage to the inner ear. From a series of 14 patients explored for possible PL fistulas, we report on 6 patients with preoperative diagnoses of PL fistula, based on history, physical examination, and audiometry. Symptoms resulting from trauma were present from 10 days to 23 years before surgery. During exploratory tympanotomy, no fistulas were evident; however, both the oval and round windows were repaired with tissue grafts. Follow up—for 1 to 5 years—revealed that vertigo was relieved in all patients. Postoperatively, one patient had a mild conductive hearing loss; yet no patient sustained a sensory neural hearing loss. We conclude that patch grafting of both the oval and round windows is a safe and effective method of treating suspected, but inapparent fistulas. Patient selection, surgical technique, and results shall be detailed.

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Increased Risk of Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss in Osteoporosis: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2018-00717 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 103 (8) ◽

pp. 3103-3109 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

So Young Kim ◽

Il Gyu Kong ◽

Hyun Lim ◽

Hyo Geun Choi

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

The Elderly ◽

National Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Cox Proportional Hazard ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Korean National Health Insurance ◽

Sensory Neural ◽

Sensory Neural Hearing Loss

Abstract Context The results of a previous population cohort study suggested an association between osteoporosis and sudden sensory neural hearing loss (SSNHL). Objectives To use a nationwide cohort in the Korean population to investigate the risk of SSNHL in patients with osteoporosis. Design, Setting, and Participants Data entered from 2002 to 2013 were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. A total of 68,241 patients with osteoporosis aged ≥50 years were matched with 68,241 control individuals. The crude (simple) and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of SSNHL in those with osteoporosis were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. A subgroup analysis was performed according to age and sex. Results The risk of SSNHL was greater in the osteoporosis group than in the control group (adjusted HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.78; P < 0.001). The risk of SSNHL in those with osteoporosis was greater in patients aged <60 years, regardless of sex. Women aged ≥60 years had a higher HR for SSNHL in the presence of osteoporosis (women aged 60 to 69 years: adjusted HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.08; P < 0.001; women aged ≥70 years: adjusted HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.79; P < 0.001). Conclusions The risk of SSNHL was greater for patients with osteoporosis aged ≥50 years. Middle-age adults, as well as the elderly, are at an increased risk of SSNHL in the presence of osteoporosis.

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