Prognostic factors influencing treatment outcomes in sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss: A multivariable logistic regression analysis

Abstract

Introduction & Objectives: Sudden onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is an otological emergency. This study evaluated independent variables including demographic data, presence of diabetes mellitus, and presentation delay influencing recovery outcomes in patients who received corticosteroids. Materials & Methods: A retrospective analysis of SSNHL patients managed at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, from June 2024 to August 2025. Recovery was structured as a two-tiered dependent outcome (non-responders vs. responders). Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed on the pooled data entries to iden-tify independent parameters.Results: The cumulative number of intratympanic dexamethasone injections received was a powerful independent predictor of recovery success (p = .005). Every additional injection multiplied the patient’s recovery odds by 2.67 (OR= 2.672). Audiometric severity heavily dictated prognosis; relative to profound loss, significantly better outcomes were achieved by patients with mild (OR = 13.41, p = .035), moderate (OR = 21.86, p = .018), and moderately severe impairments (OR = 20.74, p = .019). Diabetes mellitus had a negative influence but failed to reach a strict statistical threshold (OR = 0.26, p = .108). Age, sex, treatment delay, tinnitus, vertigo, and systemic oral corticosteroids lacked independent significance (p > .05).Conclusions: The number of IT dexamethasone injections was identified as a strong, modifiable factor in enhancing recovery from SSNHL. IT dexamethasone injections should be initiated immediately and continued for few doses before abandoning particularly in individuals presenting with less than profound initial thresholds.