Sudden Deafness and Its Relation to Atherosclerosis

A study of 178 cases of sudden deafness of obscure origin led to the classification of 89 cases as having probably a vascular explanation. Of the 89 cases, 30% were in the 20-to-30-year age group; since less than 4% of all cases of angina pectoris fall within this group, these two conditions differ markedly in their age distribution. More intensive study of the 27 patients in this group revealed that 3 had had vascular accidents in other parts of the body. Four whose blood was tested for cholesterol, fatty acids, and total lipids gave high-normal or supernormal values strongly suggesting atherosclerosis. Two case histories given in detail illustrate the evidence that the sudden deafness was probably caused by vascular accidents involving the blood supply to the internal ear. Patients with sudden deafness of obscure origin should therefore be examined with the possibility of atherosclerosis in mind, so that appropriate treatment can be instituted.