Introduction
Hearing loss can significantly impact your quality of life. Just imagine not being able to hear the voice of your loved ones, hear your favorite music or not being able to hear a fire alarm in the case of emergency. This may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety in your life and we may be able to remedy that!
What is Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is the sudden, unexplained hearing loss in one of both ears that occurs within 72 hours. Symptoms may include tinnitus, dizziness, or vertigo and are first noticed upon waking. A sensation of aural fullness or blockage are also observed. While the cause of SSNHL is only identified about 10 – 15% of the time, the majority of the cases are deemed to arise spontaneously of for which the cause is unknown. Potential causes include injury to the inner ear, viral infections, autoimmune disease, or certain medical conditions.
To diagnose SSNHL, a standard hearing test along with a physical examination is needed to assess but other tests maybe needed to rule out other causes.
Many people with SSNHL experience some degree of recovery, but keep in mind early intervention is key for a better chance of recovery.
How HBOT works for Sudden Hearing Loss
HBOT can help to restore damaged tissues and promote healing in the inner ear and also improves circulation of blood flow to the inner ear and can help reduce inflammation.
HBOT can be used as a salvage therapy for patients who have not responded to initial treatments but early initiation (ideally within a few days of hearing loss onset) may lead to better outcomes
Don’t Delay
HBOT is a promising treatment for SSNHL. Your Otolaryngologists and Internal Medicine physician may be aware of the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen on acute idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss. HBOT should be instituted without delay if the following parameters are met:
- Hearing loss of grater than 30dB affecting more than 3 consecutive frequencies
- Failure of oral and intra-tympanic steroids
- Within 3 months of onset
Don’t delay your acute hearing loss patients. There is a cure.
