ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) during pregnancy, and investigate the therapeutic regimen as well as improve the understanding of this disease.MethodsClinical data of 16 SSNHL patients during pregnancy treated in our hospital between Jan 2013 and Jan 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Hearing loss occurred unilaterally in all patients with equal numbers on both sides. Of them, 3 (18.75%) were in the first trimester, 7(43.75%) in second trimester and 6(37.50%) in last trimester.10 patients (62.50%) were accompanied with tinnitus and 4 (25.00%) with vertigo. Their initial average hearing threshold was (64.45±27.83) dBHL. All patients were treated with intravenous drip of dextran40 and intratympanic injection of corticosteroid.ResultsThe average hearing threshold after treatment was (46.48±29.81) dBHL with an improvement of (17.34±15.70) dBHL, and the difference of average hearing threshold before and after treatment was statistically significant (P<0.05). As for the therapeutic effect, complete recovery was achieved in 5 ears (31.25%), significant recovery in 2 (12.50%), partial recovery in 6 (37.50%) and no effect in 3 (18.75%).ConclusionsSSNHL in pregnancy usually occurs in the second trimester or the last trimester with severe hearing loss accompanied by tinnitus, and the hearing loss is total deafness and flat type predominately. Combination of intravenous drip of dextran40 with intratympanic injection of corticosteroid is effective and safe for the treatment of SSNHL during pregnancy.