Mediterr. J. Otol 2008; 4:(2)

Plasma endothelin-1 levels in patients with sudden sensorineural  hearing loss

Mehmet Koyuncu, Sinan Atmaca, Ahmet Yilmaz Coban, Figen Basar, Sengul Civici

Ondokuz Mayis University, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey   sinanatmaca@yahoo.com

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and hearing levels in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).

Study Design: Prospective.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients and Methods: Thirty-seven patients with SSHL were included in the study. Patients who received treatment before admission or had symptoms for more than 3 days were not enrolled. Endothelin levels of 37 patients diagnosed as having SSHL were investigated admission and 3^rd month follow-up with reference to the hearing recovery.

Results: Fifteen patients, with complete recovery after treatment, had statistically lower endothelin-1 levels at 3^rd month follow-up compared to the level at admission (p<0.001).

Conclusion: We suggest vascular reasons may play an important role in SSHL and the treatment should be planned accordingly.