A Retrospective Study of the Outcome of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract Background: Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL) presents a significant clinical challenge with debated optimal management. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered an adjunct treatment, but its efficacy relative to the timing of initiation requires further investigation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HBOT combined with standard corticosteroid therapy for ISSNHL and determine if the timing of HBOT initiation influences hearing recovery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 126 patients treated with HBOT for ISSNHL between February 2018 and February 2023 at a tertiary care hospital. All included patients received oral corticosteroids (prednisone 1 mg/kg/day, maximum up to 60 mg/day, for 12–14 days) and adjunct HBOT (2.4 atmosphere absolute, 90 min/session, 6 days/week for 20 days). Pretreatment (T0) and 20-day posttreatment (T1) pure-tone audiometry were compared. Hearing recovery was categorized based on the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines. The association between HBOT initiation time (<14 days, between 14 days and 28 days and more than 28 days) and recovery rates were analyzed using the Chi-square tests ( P < 0.05 significance). Results: Patients initiating HBOT within 14 days of ISSNHL onset experienced significantly higher rates of complete hearing recovery (90.9%) compared to those starting treatment later. A statistically significant association ( P < 0.05) was confirmed between early HBOT initiation and improved hearing outcomes. Conclusion: Early initiation of HBOT (within 14 days of onset) as an adjunct to corticosteroid therapy significantly enhances hearing recovery in patients with ISSNHL. These findings emphasize the critical role of prompt diagnosis and intervention.