Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the effects of systemic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42025
• Publication Date: 2025-01-18T18:03:47Z
• Authors: Yu-Ching Chen; Yu-Hsi Liu; Bor‐Hwang Kang; Cai-Sin Yao; Yao-Shen Chen; Wen-Chung Liu
• Keywords: Systemic therapy

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of combined hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and steroid in treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). retrospective analysis included 505 patients diagnosed with SSNHL from August 2017 July 2022. The received either a systemic (SS) alone or SS HBOT. Hearing improvement was evaluated pure-tone audiometry (PTA). Among participants, 102 + HBOT, whereas 403 were treated alone. HBOT group demonstrated significantly better PTA threshold averaged across four low frequencies (PTA4) scores (22.7 ± 23.5 vs. 16.2 21.4, P = 0.007) higher response rates (≥15 dB improvement) significant (≥25 (61.8 % 44.4 %, 0.002; 43.1 22.6 < 0.001, respectively) than SS-alone group. is particularly effective at lower frequencies. Patients 2.50 times more likely achieve substantial improvement. receiving three sessions initiating treatment within 11 days diagnosis optimal outcomes. Greater improvements observed initial >50 younger individuals. improves effectiveness SSNHL, notable benefits for those an dB. exhibited pronounced effects Initiating recommended, regimen five indicated results.