Abstract
Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is a condition that often occurs in clinical practice. Sudden hearing loss is either conductive (e.g., as a result of cerumen impaction) or sensorineural (e.g.,as a result of ototoxic drug therapy) with its numerous causes. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a subset of SHL. There is yet no established guideline on SHL management in Estonia. The present paper gives treatment recommendations for SHL management based on the American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck surgery Foundation (AAO-HNS) Sudden Hearing Loss Clinical Practise Guideline, first published March 1, 2012. The aims of this article were to improve diagnostic accuracy, to facilitate prompt intervention, to decrease variations in management, to reduce unnecessary tests and imaging procedures, and to improve hearing and rehabilitative outcomes in affected patients.