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Updated: May 17, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Corticosteroid therapy for hearing and balance disorders
Dennis R Trune1, Barbara Canlon
1Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA. truned@ohsu.edu
Steroid therapies are crucial for hearing and vestibular disorders, despite misconceptions about their efficacy. Understanding glucocorticoid receptor mechanisms in the ear is key to improving treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glucocorticoid therapy has been used for over 60 years for hearing and balance disorders.
- Commonly used steroids include dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone.
- Misconceptions exist regarding steroid efficacy and mechanisms in ear disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of steroid therapies for hearing and vestibular disorders.
- To address misconceptions undermining steroid treatment efficacy.
- To explore the mechanisms of steroid action in the ear.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies on steroid therapy for ear disorders.
- Analysis of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor roles in auditory and vestibular function.
- Examination of meta-analyses and clinical reviews questioning steroid benefits.
Main Results:
- Glucocorticoids bind to mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in the ear.
- Mineralocorticoid receptors play a role in ion homeostasis of inner ear fluids.
- Glucocorticoid receptors provide anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic signals.
Conclusions:
- Steroid therapy remains vital for conditions like sudden hearing loss and Meniere's disease.
- Further understanding of steroid mechanisms in the ear is needed.
- Addressing misconceptions can enhance the clinical application of steroid treatments.
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