The Comparison of the Treatment Results of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Steroid, Acyclovir and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with Steroid

Abstract

Objectives:We compared the effectiveness of acyclovir, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy with steroid and steroid therapy alone in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).Materials and Methods:36 patients diagnosed as SSHL between October 1997 and October 2001 at Dr. Lütfi K›rdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. Acyclovir therapy was given to 12 patients who had upper respiratory tract infections during the last week since viral infections were thought to be the possible etiologic factor. 12 of the remaining 24 patients received HBO therapy with steroids, while 12 patients were under steroid therapy alone. Hearing levels were evaluated by audiologic investigations before and after the treatment. The hearing levels at every frequency and so the hearing gain have been evaluated and compared between the groups.Results:Higher hearing levels were obtained with treatment at all frequencies except 250, 4000 and 8000 Hz in steroid group, whereas in acyclovir and HBO with steroid groups higher hearing levels were detected at all frequencies. Hearing gain was also higher in HBO group and acyclovir group than the steroid group.Conclusion:If there is an upper respiratory tract infection in the history of SSHL, acyclovir therapy can be advised, whereas in idiopathic group HBO with steroids can be recommended instead of steroid therapy alone.

Keywords

• sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• acyclovir
• steroid.