A Case Report of a Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Unresponsive to Oral Steroids, Improved with Complex Korean Medicine Treatment Including Acupotomy

Background: This case study evaluates the effectiveness of acupotomy and herbal treatments, in managing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) that did not respond to conventional steroid therapy.Methods: A 61-year-old female with right-side SSNHL underwent acupotomy treatment and Bokchong-tang, Cheongshin-san.over a four-week period.Results: Following treatment, the patient's numerical rating scale score for hearing loss decreased from 10 to 1, with full resolution of hyperacusis and autophony.Audiometric evaluations confirmed significant hearing improvement.Conclusion: Korean Medicine interventions, including acupotomy and herbal medicine, may provide an effective alternative treatment for SSNHL cases resistant to standard steroid treatment, supporting hearing recovery and symptom relief.