Hyperbaric oxygen for idiopathic sudden hearing loss: is the routine application helpful?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology

Background:

• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a common otologic emergency.
• Treatment options for ISSNHL include steroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• The necessity of routine hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy for ISSNHL requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the necessity of routine application of HBO therapy for ISSNHL.
• To compare the efficacy of intravenous steroid (IVS) therapy, HBO therapy, and combined IVS + HBO therapy for ISSNHL.
• To determine the optimal timing for initiating treatment for ISSNHL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 300 patients with ISSNHL.
• Patients were divided into three groups: IVS, HBO, or IVS + HBO.
• Hearing recovery was classified into good, fair, and poor grades, with analysis based on treatment timing and comorbidities like hypercholesterolemia.

Main Results:

• The combined IVS + HBO group showed the highest response rate (84%) and complete recovery rate (58%).
• Therapy initiated within the first two weeks significantly improved hearing gains across all groups (p < 0.05).
• Hypercholesterolemia was associated with significantly worse treatment responses (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Routine application of combined hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and intravenous steroid (IVS) therapy is recommended for ISSNHL.
• Early initiation of treatment, within 14 days, is critical for maximizing hearing recovery.
• Hypercholesterolemia negatively impacts treatment outcomes in ISSNHL patients.