Sudden Hearing Loss

What is ISSHL?

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a condition in which there is a sudden loss of hearing in one ear or both ears without any apparent cause.

Recently at Iconic Health, we have seen an increase in the number of patients seeking treatment, and based on our current sample size have had a very encouraging response rate. (nearly 100% of our patients thus far have have 80-100% of their hearing restored after 10-20 treatments!)

This condition affects about 5-20 people per 100,000 individuals each year. Medical science has yet to discover the exact cause of this condition, but several theories suggest that it could be due to viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or circulatory problems.

Current Understanding of ISSHL:

ISSHL is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It is important to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing the hearing loss. A thorough medical examination, including a hearing test (audiogram), will be conducted to diagnose the condition.

Current Treatment Options

The treatment of ISSHL usually involves corticosteroids, which are used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear. Other treatment options may include antiviral drugs, vasodilators, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Corticosteroids are typically administered to treat ISSHL through a variety of routes, including oral, intravenous, and intratympanic injection. The frequency of corticosteroid administration can vary depending on the severity of the hearing loss and the preference of the treating physician.

Oral corticosteroids are usually taken daily for a period of one to two weeks. Intravenous corticosteroids may be given as a single dose or as multiple doses over several days. Intratympanic injection involves the injection of a corticosteroid directly into the middle ear space through the eardrum. This approach is typically done in-office and can be repeated several times per week for up to four weeks.

The response rate of corticosteroid injections alone for ISSHL varies depending on the severity of the hearing loss and the method of administration. According to a meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials, the overall response rate of corticosteroid treatment in ISSHL was 49%. However, the response rate for intratympanic injection was higher at 60% compared to oral administration, which had a response rate of 41%.

It is important to note that while corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in treating ISSHL, they are most effective when administered within the first two weeks of symptom onset. Therefore, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to maximize the potential benefits of corticosteroid treatment.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for ISSHL

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This treatment has been found to be highly effective in treating ISSHL. HBOT is believed to work by increasing the amount of oxygen in the inner ear, which helps to improve blood flow and promote healing.

For any patients considering this treatment, they should have confidence that this therapeutic modality has been tested and utilized for decades!

It was first used in the late 1970s by Goto and Vincey in the treatment of ISSHL. Goto stated that this form of treatment would increase perilymph oxygenation, which is one of the main reasons for utilising this form of treatment with ISSHL patients.

Similar results were reported by Lamm et al., who showed that HBO therapy would increase the oxygen tension of the perilymphatic fluids and improve the microcirculation of the inner ear.

Case Studies:

Several case studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT in treating ISSHL. In one study, 66 patients with ISSHL were treated with HBOT. After treatment, 83% of the patients showed improvement in their hearing, and 35% had a complete recovery.

Another study involved 43 patients with ISSHL who were treated with a combination of corticosteroids and HBOT. After treatment, 74% of the patients showed improvement in their hearing, and 40% had a complete recovery.

Data Points:

According to a review of multiple studies conducted by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, HBOT is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with ISSHL. The review found that HBOT can significantly improve hearing in patients with ISSHL, with response rates ranging from 49% to 95%.

Conclusion:

ISSHL is a condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While the exact cause of this condition is still unknown, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has emerged as a highly effective treatment option. HBOT has been shown to significantly improve hearing in patients with ISSHL, and response rates range from 49% to 95%. If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden hearing loss, seek medical attention immediately, and consider HBOT as a viable treatment option.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR REVIEW:

Please note: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has not been approved by the FDA for certain indications. Individual results may vary, and outcomes are not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if HBOT is appropriate for your specific condition.