A retrospective chart review of patients with sensorineural hearing loss in the Voronezh Regional Clinical Hospital

Introduction. The presented observation is of interest due to the high prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss, frequent late presentation of patients, and reduced treatment effectiveness when therapy is delayed.

Aim. To improve the effectiveness of treatment of acute, subacute, and progressive sensorineural hearing loss. To evaluate the causes of ineffective treatment of sensorineural hearing loss and to propose possible solutions.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 7 651 patients who consulted audiologists at the Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Voronezh Region “Voronezh Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1” (BUZ VO “VOKB No. 1”) in 2024–2025, with diagnoses H90.3 “Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss” and H90.4 “Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss with normal hearing in the opposite ear”. Acute sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was identified in 1 369 patients, subacute in 604, progressive course in 513, and chronic form in 5 165 patients. In 32% of patients with acute SNHL, consultation with an audiologist occurred more than 25 days after disease onset.

Systemic therapy with dexamethasone (international non-proprietary name: dexamethasone; trade name, manufacturer, and country of production to be specified by the authors based on prescription records) was administered to 1 703 patients. Effectiveness was assessed by changes in the average hearing threshold.

Results and discussion. Hearing improvement of 10 dB or more was observed in 46% of patients with acute SNHL, 14% with subacute SNHL, and 15% with progressive SNHL. The main treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is steroids, particularly dexamethasone. The effectiveness of treatment depends on early intervention.

Conclusions. Treatment effectiveness depends on the timing of presentation. Late diagnosis, incorrect initial interpretation of symptoms, and lack of accessible hearing self-monitoring limit treatment outcomes. The introduction of digital screening tools is a promising direction, which in the long term will reduce the overall costs and challenges associated with hearing loss.

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