Exploration of gradable treatments in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

There is no instructional treatment algorithm for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Steroids, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) and vasodilator infusion are the accepted treatments. In this retrospective study, 163 patients with unilateral ISSNHL were recruited based on their pure tone audiogram (PTA). CT or MRI was performed for some patients to exclude other diseases. The patients were divided into four groups (Groups 2-5) based on the hearing level (Grades 2-5). Four kinds of treatments were applied to these patients, including vasodilator, corticosteroid, HBO2 and combination. Total recovery rate was 53.37%, and patients in group 4 (Grade 4) had the best recovery (71.79%). HBO2 was better in group 3 hearing loss patients (62.5%), steroid or combination treatment was better for Group 4 (more than 70%). Age is an influencing factor in the treatment choice. Based on our results, corticosteroids and HBO2 are the two main treatments for ISSNHL patients. Larger sample sizes and further research will be helpful to find potential gradable treatments for ISSNHL patients with different hearing loss levels, ages and other contraindications.