Can sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) resolve spontaneously if left untreated for a prolonged period?
Sep 09, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sha Haibin
Introduction
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), clinically referred to simply as “sudden deafness,” primarily results from acute ischemia of the internal auditory artery, leading to impaired function of the cochlear hair cells and auditory nerve. Spontaneous recovery occurs in only approximately 2% of SSNHL patients. Such spontaneous recovery typically occurs within 10 days following onset; therefore, prolonged duration of SSNHL precludes spontaneous recovery.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), clinically referred to simply as “sudden deafness,” is primarily caused by acute ischemia of the internal auditory artery, leading to impaired function of the cochlear hair cells and auditory nerve. Spontaneous recovery occurs in only approximately 2% of SSNHL cases.
Spontaneous recovery typically occurs within 10 days after onset; therefore, prolonged duration of SSNHL precludes spontaneous resolution. Clinically, treatment focuses on improving inner ear blood supply and administering neurotrophic medications.
Hearing loss in SSNHL often exceeds 80 dB, with audiometry revealing profound or severe hearing impairment. Standard treatment includes intravenous infusion therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Commonly used intravenous agents include Salvia miltiorrhiza injection, Ginkgo dimer sodium injection, and puerarin. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered once daily for a total course of two weeks.
