Management of sudden hearing loss with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a critical condition characterized by rapid hearing loss.
• Effective management strategies for ISSHL are crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) in treating ISSHL.
• To assess the impact of HBO2 on associated tinnitus symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 56 patients diagnosed with ISSHL received treatment combining oral corticosteroids and HBO2.
• The HBO2 protocol involved multiple phases and sessions, with hearing assessed via tonal audiograms.
• Tinnitus severity and impact were evaluated using questionnaires and visual analogue scales.

Main Results:

• Significant hearing improvement was observed in patients following HBO2 treatment (p < 0.001).
• A notable reduction in tinnitus evaluation scores, intensity, and related problems was recorded (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2), alongside vasodilators, is an effective treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL).
• The study findings support the use of HBO2 for managing tinnitus in ISSHL patients.