[Evolution of sudden deafness without treatment].

Spontaneous recovery of hearing following sudden deafness is evaluated. Between 1983 and 1997, 59 patients presenting with sudden hearing loss deliberately declined treatment. Recovery is similar for low and high frequency hearing losses, 40% of cases recovering hearing with an interaural threshold difference below 20 dB. These results are similar to those of several studies using different treatments. Therefore, sudden deafness need not be treated at all costs.