Evaluation of super-high-dose steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a high-dose steroid regimen for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to evaluate the relationship between outcome and initial steroid dose.

Study design and setting: We conducted a retrospective study of 112 patients presenting to Saitama Medical Center. Patients received tapering courses of hydrocortisone (HC) with an initial dose of either 1200 mg or 600 mg.

Results: More than 87% of patients had recovery of hearing. When hearing stabilized, there were no significant differences between the 1200 mg and 600 mg groups in terms of hearing outcome (P>0.05). However, at completion of treatment, the 1200 mg group exhibited significantly superior complete recovery rate and improvement rate (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Application of our treatment protocol of a tapered course of 1200 mg HC significantly and rapidly improves recovery outcomes in patients of SSNHL.

Ebm rating: C-4.