Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
What is SSNHL?
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is characterized by a sudden loss of hearing by 30 decibels or more in one or both ears, often combined with dizziness and/or tinnitus. The loss of hearing often directly results from inflammation or lack of oxygen to the inner ear. In most cases, the root cause is unknown. However, in 10-15% of cases, it can occur due to infection, trauma, tumors, disease, or certain medications. SSNHL may resolve on its own within two to four weeks, however corticosteroid and hyperbaric oxygen treatments should be started immediately to improve the chance of recovery. Additional treatments should also be done if underlying causes are present.
Corticosteroids
One treatment for SSNHL involves oral steroids or steroid injections through the eardrum into the middle ear. The primary use of these steroids is to reduce inflammation in the inner ear. The treatment must begin shortly after the onset of symptoms since the hearing loss can become permanent after 2-4 weeks.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used in combination with steroids for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss. The treatment includes breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to increase the amount of oxygen reaching the patient’s inner ear. The treatment is recommended 90 minutes per day for 10-20 days, starting within the first two weeks after the onset of symptoms.
