The Value of Systemic Immune‐Inflammation Index in the Occurrence and Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common otolaryngology emergency. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) with the occurrence and prognosis of SSNHL. Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Setting Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed. Participants A total of 1263 participants from 11 studies, comprising 716 SSNHL patients and 547 healthy controls. Main Outcome Measures Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for SII levels. Results This meta‐analysis included 11 studies involving 1263 participants, of whom 716 were SSNHL patients and 547 were healthy controls. The pooled results showed that SII was significantly higher in SSNHL patients than in healthy controls (WMD = 393.46, 95% CI: 222.02–564.91, p < 0.001). In addition, SII was significantly lower in the hearing recovery group than in the non‐recovery group (WMD = −208.36, 95% CI: −412.27 to −4.34, p = 0.045). Conclusion Elevated SII is associated with SSNHL occurrence and poorer hearing recovery. However, further prospective studies with adequate adjustment for confounders are required to clarify its independent prognostic value and clinical utility.