SSNHL
Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT
| Stands for | Sudden sensorineural hearing loss |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SSNHL stands for Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.
Rapid loss of hearing of at least 30 decibels across three consecutive frequencies within 72 hours, usually in one ear and often noticed on waking. It is treated as an urgent condition, and most cases have no identified cause.
Example: SSNHL right ear 2 days, 60 dB drop on audiogram; prednisone 60 mg and MRI IAC.
Usage notes
Clinical guidelines recommend audiometry and considering oral or intratympanic steroids, ideally within two weeks of onset. MRI is done to rule out a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). A substantial share of patients recover some hearing. It must be distinguished from earwax blockage or fluid, which cause conductive loss.
Related abbreviations
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- AOM – Acute otitis media
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- AREDS – Age-Related Eye Disease Study
- ARMD – Age-related macular degeneration
- BCVA – Best-corrected visual acuity
- BOM – Bilateral otitis media
- BPPV – Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.