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

Abstract

Conclusion: We recommend the routine application of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in conjunction with intravenous steroid (IVS) for all patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). For best results, this therapy must be started within 14 days.

Objective: To investigate the necessity of routine application of HBO therapy for ISSNHL.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 300 patients (300 diseased ears) were divided into 3 groups according to the therapy received: IVS (group A), HBO (group B), or IVS + HBO (group C). Patients in each treatment group were subdivided into subgroups according to the time of therapy initiation. The outcomes of their hearing recovery were classified into three recovery grades: good, fair, and poor.

Results: The proportion of patients responding to therapy and those with complete recovery was the highest in the combined treatment group, 84% and 58%, respectively, regardless of the initial hearing levels. In all the groups, mean gains of cases in whom therapy was started in the first 2 weeks were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and hypercholesterolemia (>240 mg/dl) caused significantly worse responses (p < 0.05).

Keywords: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss; hearing outcome; intravenous steroid.