Harnessing the healing power of hyperbaric O₂

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is a life altering condition and is defined as greater than 30 dB hearing reduction, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is defined as greater than 30 dB hearing reduction, over at least three contiguous frequencies, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less.

Cause and DIAGNOSIS

Usually after an emergency referral from a front-line physician, an ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist) will conduct careful patient history and physical examinations looking for potential causes. In many cases audiograms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other studies will be conducted in order to rule out certain diseases or disorders.

Causes for SHL may include infectious, circulatory inner ear problems related to disease, or trauma, metabolic, neurologic, toxic, cochlear or other issues. In most patients, the cause of SHL remains unknown.

The Initiative

This 2014 Protocol which was adopted by the MOHLTC and included as an OHIP service in 2015 has recently been revised to permit hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 30 days of ENT diagnosis of hearing loss.

This now harmonizes with broadly accepted guidelines: Sudden Hearing Loss Guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head &Neck Surgery Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery 2019, Vol. 161(2) 195–210

Key Action Statement 9: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy remains an option but only when combined with steroid therapy for either initial treatment (9a) or for salvage therapy (9b). The timing is within 2 weeks of onset for initial therapy and within 1 month of onset of sudden sensorineural hearing loss for salvage therapy.

HBOT TREATMENT

Physicians use HBOT to treat and aim to reverse SHL. A new management paradigm for sudden hearing loss was introduced to Ontario Physicians in 2014 as an insured service under OHIP.

"By the last audiogram, one week after the completion of the treatment sessions, I had amazingly regained 100% WDS! This was completely unexpected by my ENT. I am so glad that I committed to the treatment plan. It has improved my hearing for the rest of my life." M.Adler

Hear Adler's Story

and other testimonials

What is Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is defined as greater than 30 dB hearing reduction, over at least three contiguous frequencies, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less. The condition may appear instantaneously or develop rapidly over a period of a few hours or days. SHL may affect one ear or frequently involve both ears and in many cases (40%) a strange and annoying buzzing sound called "tinnitus" is also reported. The incidence of SHL has been quoted at 5-20 per 1000/people annually however, recent data suggests that number may be 300 per 1000 or more.

What is Sudden Hearing Loss?

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