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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (cont'd)
5. How is sudden hearing loss treated?
• Many treatments have been proposed for SSNHL. Watchful waiting is an
alternative to active treatment since between 1/3 and 2/3 of patients may
recover hearing on their own and can be monitored with repeat hearing
tests. Based on current research, clinicians may offer corticosteroids as initial
therapy. This is most commonly given in pill form but can be done with
an injection through the eardrum (intratympanic) for those patients for
whom oral steroids are contraindicated. Although antivirals are commonly
prescribed, there is insufficient evidence to support their effectiveness in
treating sudden hearing loss. Hyperbaric oxygen may also be offered within
2 weeks of the initial diagnosis of SSNHL, or up to 1 month in conjunction
with steroids. Clinicians should offer salvage therapy (usually intratympanic
steroids) for incomplete recovery after initial therapy. The benefits of therapy
may include more prompt and complete recovery of hearing, but there are
also side effects that must be considered when choosing among the available
options. If the ABR is abnormal, good practice requires an MRI.
6. What are the side effects of each treatment?
• Side effects vary with each treatment modality but may include such things
as increased anxiety, pain, dizziness, elevated blood sugar, elevated blood
pressure, depression or insomnia. You should have a conversation with your
provider regarding the specific side effects associated with your treatment.
7. What else can I expect?
• Sudden hearing loss can be frightening and may result in embarrassment,
frustration, anxiety, insecurity, loneliness, depression and social isolation.
Individual or group counseling can be helpful in supporting patients
with SSNHL. Audiologic rehabilitation needs to be addressed as soon as
the hearing loss is identified. This includes counseling and discussion of
nonsurgical and surgical amplification and hearing restoration options.
Clinicians should obtain follow up audiometry within 6 months of initial
diagnosis of SSNHL.
