Framingham risk score is associated with hearing outcomes in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objective To assess the Framingham risk score as a prognostic tool for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients. Methods Medical records were reviewed for unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients between January 2010 and October 2017. The 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease was calculated. Patients were subdivided into groups: group 1 - Framingham risk score of less than 10 per cent (n= 28); group 2 - score of 10 to less than 20 per cent (n= 6); and group 3 - score of 20 per cent or higher (n= 5). Results Initial pure tone average and Framingham risk score were not significantly associated (p= 0.32). Thirteen patients in group 1 recovered completely (46.4 per cent), but none in groups 2 and 3 showed complete recovery. Initial pure tone average and Framingham risk score were significantly associated in multivariable linear regression analysis (R-2= 0.36). The regression coefficient was 0.33 (p= 0.003) for initial pure tone average and -0.67 (p= 0.005) for Framingham risk score. Conclusion Framingham risk score may be useful in predicting outcomes for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients, as those with a higher score showed poorer hearing recovery.