Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical features of sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSHL) between old and young wrinkly patients. Methods A retrospective review of 123 cases (129ears)of SSHL was carried out. All patients were classified into two groups: group A(76ears, over 60years old) and group B(53ears, younger than 60years old). All cases were treated with steroids and energy composition. Some were treated with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and additional Batroxobin. 5 cases which failed these routine therapies were treated with intratympanic steroid therapies. A Partnership t test and Chi square test were used for analysis. Result The total effective rate of the two groups was 59.2% and 69.8% (P＞0.05). The total excellence rate of the elder was significant lower than that of the young(34.2% vs 56.6%) (P＜0.05). The mean duration before initiation of treatment was significantly different between the two groups(t=2.14，P＜0.05). The opposite ear′s hearing threshold level was significantly higher in the elder than in the young. Diabetes and Hyperlipemia was more frequently in the group of elder than in the group of young. Conclusions SSHL in the old gradually and hidingly unobserved initiates and often causes based hearing impairment in both affected and opposite ear.Though the total effective rate is not significantly different between two groups, the excellence rate is significantly lower in the older than in the younger. Intra-tympanic steroid therapy is useful in some patients who fail routine therapy.

Key words: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), Elder, Sensorineural hearing