Audiological Assessment and Rehabilitation Considerations in Unilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Accompanied by Refractory Tinnitus: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Reports

Author
Mohammad Hossein Nilforoush
Instructor, Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jrrs.2026.46262.1139
Abstract
Introduction: Unilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) accompanied by tinnitus is an audiological emergency that can lead to permanent auditory, perceptual, and psychological sequelae.
Case Report: A 45-year-old male presented to the audiology clinic within 24 hours of symptom onset, complaining of sudden-onset hearing loss and persistent tinnitus in the left ear. The comprehensive audiological evaluation—including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex testing—revealed a unilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and high-intensity continuous tinnitus. At the same time, the contralateral ear remained within normal limits. The patient received medical treatment consisting of systemic corticosteroid therapy, combined with counseling and audiological rehabilitation (tinnitus counseling and the fitting of a unilateral hearing aid equipped with a tinnitus masker).
Conclusion: At the three-month follow-up, a partial recovery of hearing thresholds at speech frequencies and a significant reduction in tinnitus intensity and distress were observed. However, the residual hearing loss remained severe. This case underscores the critical importance of prompt referral, comprehensive audiological assessment, and the implementation of a multidimensional rehabilitation program for the concurrent management of sudden hearing loss and tinnitus.

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