[Rheopheresis for recurrent sudden hearing loss : therapeutic options for patients refractory to infusion therapy]

For patients suffering from recurrent sudden hearing loss (SHL) that is refractory to infusion therapy, new therapeutic options must be established.

Patients suffering from recurrent and progressive SHL refractory to infusion therapy according to German guidelines were analysed retrospectively. After unsuccessful infusion therapy following the last onset of SHL, patients were treated with Rheopheresis twice. Hearing gain and recovery of speech discrimination were analysed.

Twenty-five patients with a mean of 2.1+/-0.4 events of SHL within 30.0+/-21.6 months were examined. The patients' mean hearing loss before the first onset of SHL was 34 dB and was reduced by infusion therapy to 20 dB. With the second onset of SHL, hearing loss remained almost unchanged after infusion therapy. Patients showed a mean improvement of 20 dB after two consecutive Rheopheresis treatments. Forty percent showed complete remission of SHL, and a further 28% showed partial remission.

Rheopheresis can efficiently improve the hearing of patients with recurrent SHL refractory to infusion therapy.