Optimizing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sudden Hearing Loss
In brief
11 to 20 hyperbaric oxygen sessions linked to better hearing recovery
In records from 1,309 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, those receiving 11 to 20 hyperbaric oxygen sessions alongside corticosteroids had higher rates of some hearing recovery outcomes than patients receiving other treatment courses. This four-center retrospective study cannot establish cause and effect, but supports studying early treatment; no serious adverse events were reported.
- Journal
- Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 1 October 2026
- Study design
- Retrospective cohort
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Yuting Sun, Yu Yang, Zhentao Wang, Hui Zhao, Xiaoli Ge, Shuming Pan
- PMID
- 42820475
- DOI
- 10.1002/ohn.70449
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (paper of the day, 7 October 2026): Hyperbaric oxygen improves sudden hearing loss
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To optimize the hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol for sudden sensorineural hearing loss by identifying the most effective treatment course and analyzing key prognostic factors through a multicenter retrospective cohort study. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The study conducted at 4 tertiary hospitals equipped with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) facilities in Shanghai, China. Patient enrollment occurred between January 2022 and September 2024. Participants were identified from the clinical records of patients presenting with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) at the participating centers. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study (n = 1309) enrolled patients meeting 2019 AAO-HNS guidelines. The HBO group (n = 991) received 2.2 ATA HBO combined with corticosteroids, while the non-HBO group (n = 318) received corticosteroids alone. Primary and secondary outcomes were hearing recovery rates at treatment completion and 90-day follow-up, respectively. RESULTS: 11 to 20 HBO sessions significantly increased rates of slight (OR = 2.205, 95% CI: 1.399-3.474, P = .001) and partial recovery (OR = 2.236, 95% CI: 1.429-3.500, P < .001) at treatment completion, but not complete recovery. At 90 days, 11 to 20 sessions significantly promoted complete recovery (OR = 0.422, 95% CI: 0.224-0.793, P = .007). Efficacy was significantly influenced by initial hearing loss degree; patients with total deafness showed lower partial recovery rates versus those with milder losses, while patients with very severe deafness showed the highest (125.3%). Age, delayed treatment, vertigo, and high initial pure-tone threshold were independent prognostic factors (P < .05). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: HBO combined with corticosteroids improves hearing recovery in SSNHL. Initiating 10 to 20 HBO sessions early, preferably within two weeks of onset, is recommended, especially for severe and total deafness. Future studies should standardize efficacy criteria to advance individualized treatment.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.