Patient education in sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Knowledge, attitude/belief, and practice findings among otolaryngologists and otologists in China

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a hearing loss of 30 dBHL or more in three consecutive frequency ranges within 72  hours as measured by pure tone audiometry [1,2]. The prevalence of SSNHL varies by region with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 5~20 cases/100,000 people [3]. Unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness, and vertigo are the most common symptoms of SSNHL [4]. SSNHL with these symptoms ca n have a devastating effect on quality of life and social functions, which suggests that a multidisciplinary (psychological, social, and medical) approach should be undertaken for these patients [5].
Source: Patient Education and Counseling - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research