Multi-omics Characteristics and Prognosis of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Pure tone thresholds of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz will be measured.

Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTs) are employed as a critical outcome measure in clinical trials to assess the lowest level at which speech can be understood. This metric is pivotal for evaluating the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving auditory capabilities or mitigating hearing impairments. SRTs are determined through standardized tests where subjects are required to recognize and repeat spoken words or phrases presented at varying volume levels. The threshold is identified as the minimum intensity at which speech is correctly understood 50% of the time. This quantifiable measure allows for the objective comparison of hearing function before and after interventions, making it a valuable tool in clinical research focused on auditory health and rehabilitation.

Speech Discrimination Scores (SDS) are a measure used to assess an individual's ability to correctly understand and repeat spoken words. Unlike Speech Reception Thresholds, which focus on the lowest level of audibility, SDS evaluates the clarity of speech understanding at a comfortable listening level. In clinical settings, a list of phonetically balanced words is presented to the participant at a volume that is easily audible, usually set above their speech reception threshold. The score is calculated based on the percentage of words correctly repeated back by the individual. High SDS indicates good speech clarity recognition, while lower scores may suggest difficulties in speech processing or hearing impairments. SDS is crucial in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing disorders, providing valuable insights into the functional impact of hearing loss and the effectiveness of auditory rehabilitation strategies.

The efficiency with which known genetic variants are identified within the targeted regions through capture sequencing of peripheral venous blood samples. This is measured separately for cases and control participants and reported as a percentage (%).

The extent of coverage achieved in the exome regions within peripheral venous blood samples from cases and controls, quantified by the percentage of the exome sequenced at sufficient depth in whole exome sequencing. Results are reported as a percentage (%) for both groups.

The distribution and density of genetic variants detected across the entire genome in whole genome sequencing of peripheral venous blood samples. This measure is evaluated for both cases and controls and expressed as the number of variants per megabase (variants/Mb).

Assess the integrity of brain tissues, looking for signs of lesions, tumors, or atrophy. This involves qualitative assessments (e.g., presence or absence of abnormalities).

Detailed assessment of the cochlea and vestibular system's anatomy for structural abnormalities, using a qualitative assessment.