AUTHOR=Chen Nishan , Karpeta Niki , Ma Xin , Ning Xianhui , Liu Xiaoling , Song Jijun , Jiang Zigang , Ma Xiulan , Liu Xiuli , Zhong Shixun , Sun Qing , Liu Jun , Chen Ganggang , Duan Maoli , Yu Lisheng TITLE=Diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Current otolaryngology practices in China JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1121324 DOI=10.3389/fneur.2023.1121324 ISSN=1664-2295 ABSTRACT=Introduction

Although sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has been attempted to be understood for 70 years, diagnosis and treatment strategies still have strong heterogeneity worldwide, which are reflected in the guidelines issued by countries and the clinical practice of otolaryngologists.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to registered otolaryngologists nationwide via an online questionnaire system. We investigated the current views and clinical practices of otolaryngologists in mainland China about the diagnosis, examination, and treatment strategies of SSNHL.

Results

Most otolaryngologists supported diagnostic classification via audiograms. Regional economic situation and hospital grade affected application strategies for differential diagnosis. Regarding corticosteroid therapy, 54.9% of respondents opted to discontinue the drug 5 days after systemic administration. Both intratympanic therapy and post-auricular injections were selected by more than half of the respondents as initial and salvage treatments.

Discussion

Chinese otolaryngologists exhibit heterogeneity in clinical practices for SSNHL, including distinct approaches to combination therapy and local application of steroids. This study pointed out Chinese doctors' similarities, differences, and unique strategies in diagnosing and treating SSNHL and analyzed the possible reasons to help the world understand the current otolaryngology practices in China.