Prognostic value of the video head impulse test in sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Objectives To characterise the pattern of video head impulse test (vHIT) impairments in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo (SSNHL-V), and to assess its correlation with audiological prognosis. Design We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library) from inception to February 24, 2025, performed meta-analysis using Stata 18, and had the protocol prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251025900). Results Among patients with SSNHL-V, impairment of the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) was found to be more common than that of the horizontal semicircular canal (HSCC) or anterior semicircular canal (ASCC). The pooled prevalence of PSCC abnormality was 50% (95% CI: 0.40–0.60; I 2 = 87.65%, z = 14, p < 0.05). Regarding auditory prognosis, patients with reduced PSCC gain on vHIT had a 4.14-fold increased risk of poor hearing recovery (95% CI: 2.64–6.51; I 2 = 7%, p = 0.36; z = 6.17, p < 0.05). Similarly, reduced HSCC gain was associated with a 3.06-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.72–5.44; I 2 = 0%, p = 0.96; z = 3.82, p < 0.05). Conclusion In patients with SSNHL-V, vHIT assessment revealed a higher rate of PSCC dysfunction compared to other semicircular canals, and impaired PSCC function serves as a significant predictor of auditory prognosis.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Authors: Qiang Guo, Ying Lin, Zhilin Wang, Pengfei Hang, Dingjun Zha
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7122676333