Normal vestibular function testing associated with favorable hearing recovery prognosis in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss patients.

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Frontiers in Medicine Published April 10, 2026 Medically reviewed April 25, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

Key Takeaway

Consider vestibular function testing in ISSHL; normal horizontal/posterior vHIT and caloric tests associate with favorable hearing prognosis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic value of vestibular function testing in 781 patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL). Data were pooled from seven observational studies. The primary outcome assessed was hearing recovery prognosis based on video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test parameters.

Normal horizontal semicircular canal function on vHIT was associated with a favorable prognosis, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.14 (95% CI: 1.71–5.77, P < 0.001). Similarly, normal posterior semicircular canal function indicated a favorable prognosis, yielding an OR of 6.93 (95% CI: 3.24–14.81, P < 0.001). Normal caloric test results were also associated with a favorable hearing recovery prognosis, with an OR of 3.18 (95% CI: 1.82–5.58, P < 0.001). In contrast, normal anterior semicircular canal function was not associated with hearing recovery prognosis (P = 0.186).

Safety and tolerability data were not reported in the included studies. Absolute event rates were not provided. The evidence is limited by the observational study designs, which preclude causal inferences. Absolute numbers for outcomes were not reported, limiting the ability to assess clinical impact beyond relative measures.

The authors conclude that vestibular function testing should be performed routinely in ISSHL patients to better understand hearing prognosis. However, clinicians must interpret these associations cautiously, recognizing that they derive from existing observational literature without reported adverse events or long-term follow-up.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedApr 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

PurposeThis study aims to examine the prognostic value of the video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test in predicting hearing recovery with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL).MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, covering studies published up to September 15, 2025. This meta-analysis included studies examining the association between vestibular function test parameters and hearing recovery outcomes. Data were extracted from eligible Chinese and English publications for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. This study protocol was registered with PROSPERO.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 781 patients from 7 studies. Normal function of the horizontal semicircular canal in vHIT (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.71–5.77, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.00%), normal function of the posterior semicircular canal in vHIT (OR = 6.929, 95% CI: 3.242–14.808, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.00%), and normal caloric test results (OR = 3.184, 95% CI: 1.818–5.575, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.00%) indicated a favorable prognosis for ISSHL patients. In contrast, normal function of the anterior semicircular canal in vHIT was not associated with prognosis in ISSHL patients (P = 0.186).ConclusionvHIT, caloric tests, and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) can comprehensively evaluate vestibular function in patients with ISSHL. Normal vestibular function is a key factor for favorable hearing prognosis in these patients. Vestibular function testing should be performed as a routine examination in patients with ISSHL, as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of their hearing prognosis.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251156585, Identifier: CRD420251156585.

Normal vestibular function testing associated with favorable hearing recovery prognosis in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss patients.

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Normal vestibular function testing associated with favorable hearing recovery prognosis in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss patients.

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