Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Comparative Study of Different Treatment Modalities

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neurosensorineural Hearing Loss Research

Background:

• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is characterized by rapid hearing loss.
• Current management involves systemic steroids, intratympanic steroid injection, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antivirals, and vasodilators.
• The optimal combination of these treatments for ISSNHL remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combined ISSNHL treatment modalities.
• To compare outcomes with and without the inclusion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 22 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL was studied.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=11) received systemic steroids, intratympanic steroid injection, antiviral therapy, and HOT.
• Group B (n=11) received the same treatments excluding HOT.

Main Results:

• All patients in Group A (100%) achieved total hearing improvement.
• Group A had a mean pure tone average (PTA) of 18.1 ± 2.2 dB.
• In Group B, 45.5% achieved total improvement and 54.5% partial improvement, with a mean PTA of 28.1 ± 8.7 dB.

Conclusions:

• Early administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) combined with systemic steroids, intratympanic steroid injection, and antiviral therapy yields superior hearing recovery in ISSNHL patients.
• The addition of HOT to standard treatment protocols significantly enhances treatment efficacy for ISSNHL.