Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment combinations in the management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to assess the impact of the initiation time of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on hearing prognosis.

METHODS: One hundred forty-two patients (65 males, 77 females; mean age: 51.6±14.8 years; range, 16 to 79 years) who were treated for SSNHL in our clinic between March 2019 and March 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were categorized into six groups based on the treatment protocol. The effect of HBOT initiation time (≤10 days or >10 days), audiogram configuration, and degree of hearing loss on hearing recovery was analyzed among the treatment groups.

RESULTS: Improvement in hearing thresholds was observed across all treatment groups; however, there was no statistically significant difference in hearing gains between the groups (p>0.05). When comparing patients who received HBOT with those who did not, hearing gain at 8000 Hz was higher in the HBOT group but remained borderline significant (p=0.062). Although patients who received early HBOT initiation showed higher hearing gains, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.862). Patients with baseline high-frequency hearing loss of ≥60 dB had significantly lower hearing gains (p=0.003).

CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found among the treatment combinations applied in SSNHL management. Early initiation of HBOT was associated with greater hearing gain, particularly at high frequencies, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The degree of hearing loss and audiogram configuration emerged as important prognostic factors affecting hearing recovery.