Perilymph Sampling for Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Time: 9-11AM PT, 12-2PM ET, 5-7PM UK, 6-8PM Germany

Meeting ID: 856 2630 7952
Passcode: 1942

Overview: 

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is a rapid onset hearing impairment, typically occurring in one ear, with an unknown origin in many cases. Perilymph sampling has emerged as a potential technique to better understand the pathophysiology of SSNHL. It involves collecting fluid from the inner ear, specifically from the perilymphatic space, to study its contents and identify any abnormalities that might provide insight into the mechanisms of hearing loss in SSNHL. 

Objective: 

The objective of this session is to review the current state of perilymph sampling for SSNHL and develop a protocol to better understand its pathophysiology. The session will focus on how to improve early diagnosis and treatment through perilymph sampling. 

Goals:  

• • Determine standardization of human perilymph sampling
  • Determine standardization of animal perilymph sampling  
  • Address additional questions we should be asking about perilymph samplings 
  • Determine the best way to collaborate between institutions
  • Determine Co-Leads for this workgroup
  • Other individuals to include in this discussion?

Session Agenda: 

First Hour: Overview of SSNHL Diagnosis, HSA, and Speaker Presentations (9-10AM)

1. Introduction to SSNHL Diagnosis (9-9:05AM)

– Definition and clinical presentation of SSNHL (William Slattery, M.D.)

– Importance of early diagnosis and intervention (William Slattery, M.D.)

2. Hearing Science Accelerator (HSA) (9:05-9:10AM)

– Overview of HSA for SSNHL (William Slattery, M.D.)

3. Research Questions 4 and 5 (9:10-9:15AM)

– Open discussion of research questions:

I. Q4: Can a biobank and patient registry be developed in order to determine the etiology of SSNHL? Possible specimens would include genetic, serum, and/or perilymph testing.   

a. Can Genetic testing determine susceptibility or predict prognosis of SSNHL?   

b. Are there biomarkers in the serum predictive of etiology, diagnosis or treatment?   

c. What test of perilymph would aid in the treatment of SSNHL?  

II. Q5: Can perilymph obtained during cochlear implantation or during the acute presentation aid in diagnosis and/or treatment of SSNHL?   

a. Would biologic markers elucidate perilymph antigens helpful in etiology or diagnosis?   

b. Could the etiology of hearing loss be determined by analysis of perilymph content in the future?   

c. Would variation in perilymph composition be predictive of different SSNHL etiologies?   

d. A standard procedure for perilymph collection should be developed for maximum yield and minimal risk to hearing and balance.

4. Speaker Presentations (9:15-10 AM)

– Expert presentations on the latest advancements in SSNHL research:

• • • • • • Hinrich Staecker, M.D. (Topic: Sampling Technique of Humans Undergoing Stapedectomy) (9:15-9:25AM)
          • Adele Moatti, PhD (Topic: Pig Perilymph Sampling Protocol) (9:25-9:35AM)
          • Konstantina Stankovic, M.D. (Topic: Perilymph Sampling in Humans: Insights from Cochlear implantation and Labyrinthectomy Procedures) (9:35-9:45AM) 
          • Andrea Vambutas, M.D. (Topic: Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease and overview of current work) (9:45-9:55AM)
          • Questions (9:55-10AM)

Second Hour: Open Discussion on Perilymph Sampling (10-11AM)

1. Current Perilymph Sampling Protocols

a. Strengths and limitations of current protocols

2. New Perilymph Sampling Protocols for SSNHL  

a. Overview of sampling techniques used in SSNHL diagnosis

3. Future Directions

a. Exploration of innovative sampling techniques  

b. Multi-center collaboration to validate protocols for SSNHL