OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the sub-typing of full-frequency sudden deafness and its effect in treatment.

METHODSA series of 87 cases that have full-frequency sudden deafness were studied from Aug, 2005 to Mar, 2008. All cases were treated with methylprednisolone, Batroxobin and Xueshuantong.

RESULTSBased on the frequency of hearing loss, the objectives were divided into sudden-drop-down type and slow-drop-down type. The effective percentage and significant effective percentage in sudden-drop-down type were 84.4% (27/32) and 68.8% (22/32), respectively. The effective percentage and significant effective percentage in slow-drop-down type were 52.7% (29/55) and 32.7% (18/55), respectively. Slow-drop-down type showed a higher effective and significant effective percentage respectively (P < 0.01). According to the degree of hearing loss, objectives were divided into flat-type and profound-type. The effective percentage and significant effective percentage in flat-type were 73.3 % (44/60) and 53.3 % (32/60) respectively. The effective percentage and significant effective percentage in flat-type were 44.4% (12/27) and 29.6% (8/27) respectively. The flat-type showed a higher effective (P < 0.01) and significant effective percentage (P < 0.05) for treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe sudden deafness needs a further classification. According to the frequency of hearing loss, it can be divided into sudden-drop-down and slow-drop-down type. According to the degree of hearing loss, it can be divided into flat-type and profound-type. It would be appropriate to using 90 dB(average hearing threshold) as a criteria for the classification of hearing loss.