New Hybrid Treatment for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Tinnitus: Sirindhorn Hospital Experience

Abstract

Introduction : According to Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) accepts idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL), as well as new indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in October 2011. Otorhinolaryngologists have to concern about HBOT for increasing recovery rate, hearing improvement rate and decreasing morbidity that interrupt the quality of life in ISSNHL case.

Cases : The patients were 2 female adults who had complained about unilateral hearing loss with tinnitus in affected ear. Both of them were received by New Hybrid Treatment for ISSNHL and were followed-up with audiogram and other clinical outcomes at 2 weeks, 1month, 2 months and 6 months after respective treatments.

Methods : High dose oral steroid treatment was given as standard treatment, then followed by New Hybrid Treatment, defining for 3 times of accelerated intratympanic steroid injections and 6 sessions of HBOT with 100% oxygen at 2.36 ATA for 90 minutes daily, without air break.

Results : Descriptive study was done by comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment audiogram, visual analogue scale (VAS) of tinnitus and Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI). We found their hearing with minimal improvement from audiogram, while tinnitus markedly decreased from VAS and THI.

Conclusion : HBOT probably has a role in tinnitus aspect of ISSNHL treatment. Otorhinolaryngologists should establish knowledge about undersea medicine that relates to ears and hearing problem especially HBOT for ISSNHL in the future.