The Correlation Between the Prognostic Nutritional Index and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss With Comorbid Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a frequent emergency in the field of otolaryngology. A comprehensive analysis of its clinical traits and risk factors is essential for clarifying its pathogenesis and creating effective prevention and treatment methods. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and SSNHL in patients with comorbid nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 120 SSNHL patients, who were subsequently divided into an NAFLD group and a non-NAFLD group. Using propensity score matching (PSM), a comparative analysis was conducted on clinical indicators between the two patient groups, including the severity, type, prognosis of SSNHL, and PNI levels. RESULTS: The analyses revealed that, compared with their non-NAFLD counterparts, patients with comorbid NAFLD exhibited significantly lower PNI levels, were older, had abnormal audiometric configurations, more severe hearing loss, and had a weaker prognosis. These variations are statistically remarkable. Across the various types of SSNHL patients, PNI levels progressively decreased as the disease severity progressed (P < 0.001). However, no remarkable association was observed between PNI and the prognosis of SSNHL. CONCLUSION: Among individuals with SSNHL, patients with comorbid NAFLD exhibit lower PNI levels, more severe hearing loss, and a weaker prognosis than those without NAFLD. A remarkable correlation was identified between PNI levels and both the severity and type of SSNHL. No significant association was found between PNI and the prognosis of SSNHL.