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Sudden Idiopathic Hearing Loss

Sudden Idiopathic Hearing Loss

Sudden idiopathic hearing loss (SIHL), also known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) is an urgent situation characterized by an acute onset of hearing loss. It may occur in an instant or happen over several days. The suspected causes of this are viral infections, cochlear artery occlusion, rupture of the intracochlear membranes, and biochemical alterations. The sooner you seek treatment, the better.

Characteristics of SIHL

  • Frequently affects only one ear 
  • A loud “pop” just before hearing disappears 
  • Feeling of ear fullness 
  • Dizziness 
  • Ringing in the ear(s) 

Our Approach to Sudden Idiopathic Hearing Loss

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells, up to 800% more after 20 sessions! Treatment of SIHL primarily focuses on improving blood flow and increasing oxygen supply in the inner ear. ENT physicians typically treat SIHL with steroids. While effective, research has shown that patient who treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in addition to steroids had significantly higher rates of recovery than those who treated with steroids alone, including in patients with severe hearing loss (≥ 80 dB). The best outcomes occur when Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is started within the first two weeks from the onset of hearing loss.

Our Approach to Sudden Idiopathic Hearing Loss

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells, up to 800% more after 20 sessions! Treatment of SIHL primarily focuses on improving blood flow and increasing oxygen supply in the inner ear. ENT physicians typically treat SIHL with steroids. While effective, research has shown that patient who treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in addition to steroids had significantly higher rates of recovery than those who treated with steroids alone, including in patients with severe hearing loss (≥ 80 dB). The best outcomes occur when Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is started within the first two weeks from the onset of hearing loss.