Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – A contemporary review of management issues

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an enigmatic entity, with obscure pathophysiology and debatable efficacy of the treatment agents used. An underlying cause is identified in only 10–15% of cases. The management of the remaining patients, classified as ‘idiopathic’, is empirical, and is conventionally with systemic steroids, vasodilator therapy, rheological agents, and antioxidants, to list a few amongst the host of the agents employed for the treatment. The availability of conflicting outcomes and lack of conclusive evidence has resulted in the propagation of consensus-based treatment protocols. In the present review, we discuss the various controversial issues and newer developments in the management of idiopathic SSNHL. The current review aims to present a narrative outlook of the updated evidence base available from PUBMED, augmented with relevant designated publications.

Keywords

• Hearing loss
• Sudden
• Sensorineural
• Instillation
• Drug
• Dexamethasone