[Drug therapy of progressive hearing disorders in children]

In 1987 and 1988 Nickisch et al. discussed the effect of infusions of prednisolone, pentoxifylline and, partially, piracetam in Ringer lactate solvent on progressive sensorineural hearing loss in childhood and adolescence. Time of observations was 4 years. Unfortunately long-term investigations could not confirm the initially good therapeutic results of 1987/88. In 35% were found permanently and in 12.5% temporarily better auditory thresholds after infusion. The loss of progressive sensorineural hearing in childhood usually takes a fateful course that can hardly be influenced. As is the case with adults, good therapeutic results can most probably be achieved by infusions starting close to the event, i.e. within 48 hours.