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Backgrounds: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is one of the diseases whose mechanism is not fully understood and is not yet fully cured. As one of convincing etiology of ISSNHL is cochlear ischemia, HBO therapy is suggested to be a promising treatment for hearing recovery, especially for the patients with severe hearing loss (over 70 dB). Objectives: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of HBO therapy for patients with ISSNHL who showed severe hearing loss. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with ISSNHL at Asan medical center from January 2016 to December 2017. All the patients enrolled in this study showed over 70 dB HL on the affected ears. Patients in HBO group received HBO therapy 14 times with systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy, while patients in control group received only systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy. Results: Total 82 patients (83 ears) were enrolled in this study. 37 patients (38 ears) were enrolled for HBO group and 45 patients (45 ears) were enrolled for control group. There were no differences in baseline parameter between two groups; gender, age, affected side, combined symptoms such as tinnitus and dizziness, initial glucose level and initial hearing. After 2-weeks treatment, HBO group showed significantly improved hearing than control group (28.1±26.9 dB in HBO group and 14.8±13.5 dB in control group in W4FA, p<0.05), especially in low frequency (0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, p<0.05). Conclusions: From this study, we strongly recommend HBO therapy as initial treatment option for ISSNHL patients who suffer from severe hearing loss or as salvage treatment option for patients who failed from initial steroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate outcomes of elderly patients with cochlear implant (CI) and factors that affect speech performance. Method: Seventy-two elderly patients (60-80 years of age) with post-lingual sensorineural hearing loss who received CI were divided into two groups according to speech performance scores: the poor performance group (monosyllabic word scores <70%, n=40), and the good performance group (monosyllabic word scores ≥70%, n=32). The distribution and contribution of the potential factors related to CI outcomes was compared. We also identified how outcomes in speech,,performance could be predicted according to the causes of hearing loss. Results: The duration of hearing deficit was significantly related with speech performance after CI (the poor performance group: 24.44±19.43, the good performance group: 13.86±15.12, p<0.015*). Significant differences were not found between the two groups for the other factors (age at implantation, pre-operative residual hearing level, vestibular function, presence of associated symptoms (tinnitus, dizziness), education, region of residence (urban/rural), presence of job, and comorbidities). In the case of hearing loss caused by sudden hearing loss, Meniere's disease, otitis media, and otosclerosis, they were similarly distributed between two groups. Traumatic and drug induced hearing losses are usually found in the good performance group. The hearing losses due to unknown origin, presbycusis, and meningitis were mainly distributed in the poor performance group. Conclusions: Better prognosis in the elderly with CI can be expected in patients with short duration of hearing loss. Age at implantation, residual hearing level, and other known individual factors did not significantly influence on speech outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is mounting evidence that healthy living contributes to healthy hearing. Diet, as documented with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), is a critical factor influencing hearing status over a lifetime. Other healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular vigorous exercise, not smoking, and consistent use of hearing protection during exposure to high intensity noise or music, also contribute importantly to preservation of good hearing. In addition, hearing impairment in adults is associated with a long list of common chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and dementia. Conduct a literature search of 'comorbidity' and 'hearing loss' and you will find that the topic is attracting considerable clinical attention and research focus. Five key steps in practicing preventive audiology will be reviewed: 1) Obtaining a comprehensive history including medical conditions and life style factors related to hearing loss; 2) Assessment with a diagnostic test battery that includes procedures with proven sensitivity to subtle auditory dysfunction (e.g., otoacoustic emissions, speech perception in noise tests); 3) Adequate patient counseling about the connection between healthy hearing and life style/healthy living, including strategies for hearing protection; 4) Audiological management to enhance communication, and 5) Close and consistent communication and management coordination with primary care physicians. This presentation offers a clinically feasible approach to maintaining healthy hearing, preventing hearing loss, and promoting quality of life from youth to advanced age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]