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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Sudden Hearing Loss
HBOT is approved for the treatment of Sudden Sensorineural hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing that can occur all at once or over a few days. It involves the sensory organs of the inner ear, which malfunction. The cause is typically unknown. Usually, patients first notice symptoms upon waking and feel a sensation of fullness or blockage. They may also experience dizziness, vertigo, or ringing in their ears.
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HBOT assists in the increase of blood flow to the inner ear, which can decrease the chance of ischemia and will aid in the healing process.
Studies on Acute (Sudden) Hearing Loss and HBOT
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Joshua TG, Ayub A, Wijesinghe P, Nunez DA. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022;148(1):5–11. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2021.2685
Importance
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an acute, usually unilateral deficit. Systemic and intratympanic steroids are accepted treatments. Although evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be beneficial, it is not widely offered.
Conclusions and Relevance
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, HBOT as part of a combination treatment was significantly associated with improved hearing outcomes in patients with SSNHL over control treatments.
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Halwani C, Turki S, Gharsallah H. Sudden deafness: the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined to systemic corticosteroid treatment. Tunis Med. 2021 Mar;99(3):358–62. Epub 2021 Mar 1. PMCID: PMC8724693.
Introduction:
Sudden idiopathic deafness is a sensorineural emergency, requiring rapid therapeutic initiation. The treatments are very varied, with disparate results.
Conclusion:
Sudden deafness is an indication of HBOT retained for several decades on the basis that the pressure which reigns within a hyperbaric chamber would compensate for the observed damage of the ear. Our study supports this indication.