Serum sCD163 indicates disease severity and prognosis in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapid, unexplained decline in hearing, typically affecting one ear. Potential causes include viral infections, vascular events, and autoimmune disorders. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and audiometric testing, while corticosteroids remain the primary treatment to enhance recovery. This study analyzed 257 patients with SSNHL and 100 healthy controls. Serum soluble scavenger receptor CD163 (sCD163) levels were measured using ELISA. Patients were categorized by the severity of hearing loss and audiometric curve patterns. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on treatment response and biomarker levels. SSNHL patients exhibited significantly higher sCD163 levels than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Increased sCD163 levels were associated with greater hearing loss severity (p < 0.05). Patients who responded to treatment had lower sCD163 levels compared to those with poor treatment outcomes (p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that sCD163 had good diagnostic value in predicting treatment response (AUC = 0.79). When combined with D-dimer and fibrinogen levels, the predictive accuracy improved further (AUC = 0.89). Elevated sCD163 levels in SSNHL patients suggest its involvement in inner ear inflammation and disease severity. As a potential biomarker, sCD163 may aid in diagnosing SSNHL and predicting treatment response, underscoring its clinical utility in guiding therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes.