Hyperbaric Oxygen for Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an acute condition characterised by a hearing loss of at least 30 decibels across three consecutive frequencies. While the cause remains unknown in 85% to 90% of cases, potential causes include vascular occlusion, viral infections, and cochlear membrane damage.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recognised as a potential adjunctive treatment for sudden hearing loss. The inner ear, specifically the cochlea, possesses a high oxygen demand but relies on limited blood supply. HBOT functions by increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream and elevating perilymph oxygen tension.

This process promotes angiogenesis and microcirculation to form new blood vessels in the cochlea, mobilises stem cells and improves cell signalling to facilitate tissue regeneration, and decreases the likelihood of ischaemia in the inner ear apparatus.

Research indicates that HBOT is most effective when used as an adjuvant therapy alongside corticosteroids. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have associated combination treatment (HBOT plus steroids) with significantly improved hearing outcomes compared to control treatments.

The most favourable outcomes are achieved when treatment commences within 14 days of symptom onset. However, some patients may still benefit from combined therapy up to ten weeks after the onset of symptoms.

Standard treatment regimens often involve 90-minute sessions at pressures between 2.0 and 2.5 ATA, typically spanning 10 to 20 treatments. Patients with moderate to severe hearing loss (greater than 40 decibels) are considered primary candidates for HBOT.

While generally considered a safe complementary treatment, the most common side effect is middle-ear barotrauma. Patients are screened for contraindications prior to the initiation of therapy. At The Wellness Lab, our HBOT specialists can assess whether this therapy might be appropriate for your situation.