Sudden Deafness during Antepartum versus Postpartum Periods.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed our experience in treating sudden deafness in antepartum (pregnant) and postpartum women during the past 2 decades.

METHODS: From 1997 to 2016, we have recorded sudden deafness in 16 antepartum (mean age, 32 years) and 3 postpartum (mean age, 31 years) women. Sudden deafness occurred during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters in 5, 4, and 7 antepartum women, respectively. In contrast, the mean interval between giving birth and symptom onset in the 3 postpartum women was 18 days. Each patient underwent an inner ear test battery.

RESULTS: In 8 antepartum women treated by dextran infusion, the outcome as regards hearing was improved in 7 patients (88%) and unchanged in 1 patient. In contrast, the other 8 antepartum women selected no treatment, and only 1 patient (12%) achieved hearing improvement, exhibiting a significantly better outcome when receiving dextran treatment. For the postpartum women, 2 patients had hearing improvement when treated by antioxidants, while 1 patient retained unchanged hearing without treatment.

CONCLUSION: Medication is needed in sudden deafness in antepartum or postpartum women rather than waiting for a natural course. No adverse effects have been identified in any of the mothers or offspring 1 year after delivery.