Effect of pre-incident antiplatelet therapy on sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objective

Identify if pre-incident aspirin influences severity and outcome of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Study design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

Patients with idiopathic SSNHL were identified and separated into aspirin and non-aspirin groups. Variables, including demographics, comorbid conditions, audiologic outcomes were identified and compared between groups.

Results

One hundred forty-eight patients were included that met inclusion criteria. There were 38 patients who were on pre-incident aspirin therapy and 110 patients not on aspirin prior to the onset of SSNHL. Pre- and post-treatment audiologic status was worsened in the aspirin group. Other comorbid conditions, including hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and vertigo symptoms had an effect as well. With multivariate analysis, CAD, CVA, and vertigo symptoms appeared to have an effect more than aspirin.

Conclusions

Patients on aspirin have a worsened pre- and post-treatment audiologic status. This appears to be more due to the underlying CAD or history of CVA rather than aspirin use itself.