Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) requires prompt clinical assessment. The window for evidence-based intervention is narrow — first-line management is initiated within 2 weeks of symptom onset to maximise the chance of hearing recovery.

Clinical Goal

The primary objective is hearing improvement. Hearing is formally reassessed within 2 to 6 weeks of onset to evaluate the patient's response to the chosen approach.

Treatment Overview

Initial management centres on corticosteroid therapy started within 2 weeks of symptom onset. The appropriate route of administration — systemic or intratympanic — depends on the individual patient's clinical profile and ability to tolerate systemic treatment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with corticosteroids is an additional option when initiated early. Watchful waiting is also a recognised alternative for selected patients.

Specific agent selection, dosing, duration, and the full treatment pathway are detailed in the complete protocol.

References

DOI: 10.1177/0194599819859885

Clinicians may offer corticosteroids as initial therapy to patients with SSNHL within 2 weeks of symptom onset.
Patients with certain systemic medical conditions may not be able to receive systemic corticosteroids; however, if they receive intratympanic steroid injections, their treatment will not be inferior in terms of efficacy.
Clinicians may offer, or refer to a clinician who can offer, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) combined with steroid therapy within 2 weeks of onset of SSNHL.
Watchful waiting is an alternative to active treatment as between one-third and two-thirds of patients may recover hearing on their own and can be monitored with repeat hearing tests.

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What Is the Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Clinical Goal

Treatment Overview

References