Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Current Insights into Etiology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Advances

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapid-onset condition that can result in significant and often distressing auditory impairment. SSNHL encompasses both cases with identifiable causes—such as vestibular schwannomas, acoustic trauma, or inner ear hemorrhage—and idiopathic SSNHL, where no specific cause can be determined despite comprehensive evaluation. The idiopathic form constitutes the majority of cases and remains a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Recent advances in auditory neuroscience, diagnostic imaging, and molecular biology have opened new avenues for investigating underlying mechanisms and optimizing patient care through more personalized approaches.This Research Topic aims to explore the full spectrum of SSNHL, including both idiopathic and identifiable forms. Despite the widespread use of corticosteroids, current treatment protocols vary significantly and are not standardized across regions. Moreover, clinical outcomes remain inconsistent, highlighting the need for more precise diagnosis and targeted interventions.We encourage submissions that investigate diverse etiological pathways, propose innovative diagnostic tools, and explore novel or optimized treatment strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on studies that aim to differentiate idiopathic SSNHL from identifiable causes and to establish physiological or biochemical tests that support clinical subtyping. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and scientists, this collection seeks to clarify unresolved issues, support evidence-based practice, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients affected by this sudden and often disabling condition.This Research Topic welcomes all manuscript types supported by Frontiers in Neurology, including original research, systematic reviews, brief research reports, and perspectives, pertaining - but not limited - to the following themes:• Etiological studies of SSNHL (e.g., tumor-related, autoimmune, vascular causes)• Diagnostic advancements, including biomarkers and imaging techniques to differentiate subtypes• Innovations in treatment strategies and delivery methods• Prognostic indicators and clinical stratification tools• Development and validation of physiological and biochemical tests for subtyping and classificationWe welcome researchers and clinicians worldwide to contribute novel findings, critical reviews, or theoretical perspectives that advance our understanding of SSNHL and help shape future clinical practice.Potential conflicts of interest: Dr Alyono's institution is a study site for contracted research for a post-approval FDA study for cochlear implant in single sided deafness. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject. Topic editors: Han Matsuda, Tadao Yoshida, Sho Kanzaki, Jennifer Alyono Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/72643/sudden-sensorineural-hearing-loss-current-insights-into-etiology-mechanisms-and-therapeutic-advances