Treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Conclusion. The therapeutic role of corticosteroids and/or corticosteroids with antiviral agents for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has yet to be fully elucidated; however, in cases where deafness is profound and of recent onset, a therapeutic trial is indicated. Objectives. To investigate treatment regimens and their efficacies, as well as evaluating the potential prognostic correlates and allowing comparison between local and national standards of care for SSNHL. Patients and methods. A retrospective evidence-based case series of 143 patients seen at the University of Rochester, Department of Otolaryngology between 1999 and 2002 was investigated. Treatment modalities included (1) observation, (2) steroids, and (3) steroids with antivirals. Results. The study demonstrates that steroid treatment, alone or in combination with antivirals, results in a significant improvement rate compared with observation. Results indicate that the more expediently a patient with SSNHL is seen by an otolaryngologist, the better their prognosis.

Keywords:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• corticosteroids
• antiviral agents