Impact of mean platelet volume on the occurrence and severity of sudden sensorineural hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine: (1) whether mean platelet volume was elevated in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, compared with healthy controls; and (2) whether mean platelet volume level was related to hearing loss severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 31 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and 31 age- and sex-matched, healthy controls. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from subjects and mean platelet volume and levels of glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride were measured. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was significantly greater in the sudden sensorineural hearing loss group compared with the control group. However, there was no significant correlation between mean platelet volume level and hearing loss severity. CONCLUSION: Mean platelet volume, a determinant of platelet activation, is elevated in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating mean platelet volume levels in such patients. Our findings indirectly support the hypothesis of vascular impairment as a pathogenetic factor in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.