Efficacy of three different treatment protocols for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as an acute, unilateral or bilateral hearing loss for sounds in three adjacent frequencies and greater than 30 dB occurring over a period from 24 hours to three days. The unknown etiology of this condition has resulted in diverse treatment modalities in the past. The aim of our retrospective study was to compare the results of three different therapeutic protocols for the treatment of patients with varying degrees of SSNHL. Methods: The study group consisted of 30 patients who were treated for SSNHL. Three therapeutic modalities were compared: vasodilators (6 patients), corticosteroids (16 patients) and a combination of corticosteroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), 8 patients. Results: Patients treated with corticosteroid therapy, either alone or in combination with HBOT, experienced clinically and statistically significant (p<0.05) rate of recovery compared to those treated with vasodilators. Six patients had no recovery of auditory function and six others had only slight improvement. Conclusion: Treatment with corticosteroid therapy, single or in combination with HBOT facilitates recovery from hearing loss due to SSNHL.

Keywords

• sensorineural hearing loss
• therapeutic protocol
• recovery of hearing