HbOT for Sudden Hearing Loss

If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden hearing loss, time is of the essence.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers a promising route to recovery, especially when treatments start early.

When combined with corticosteroid treatment, HbOT for sudden hearing loss can significantly improve hearing outcomes, particularly in more severe cases.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HbOT) is a complementary treatment option for SSNHL, especially when used early and in combination with corticosteroid medication.

Please Note: HbOT is recommended as a complementary therapy only, not an alternative treatment to conventional medicine. If you are unsure, please consult your doctor.

What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden hearing loss or SSNHL (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss), is a medical emergency that involves a rapid loss of hearing.

This can be immediate or happen over a period of just a few days.

Normally, it only affects one ear, and it may be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ear), dizziness, or a feeling that the ear may be full or blocked.

SSNHL requires immediate medical attention because early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of partial or even full recovery.

What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

In many cases, the exact cause of SSNHL remains unknown (idiopathic), but clinical research into the condition has identified a number of potential triggers:

• Head injuries, where fractures damage the inner ear
• Sudden pressure changes e.g., diving, flying
• Extremely loud noise causing immediate hearing damage

• Viral infections such as herpes simplex, mumps, or measles
• Bacterial Infections, e.g., Meningitis
• Autoimmune inner ear disease where inner ear structures are attacked
• Sudden hearing changes are one of the symptoms of Ménière’s Disease
• Circulatory issues, e.g., strokes
• Some neurological disorders can affect hearing

• Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers can damage hearing

• A slow growing benign tumour on the auditory nerve
• Build-up of ear wax or fluid blockage
• A membrane tear/hole between the middle and inner ear called a perilymphatic fistula

HbOT involves breathing almost pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber.

This dramatically increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, allowing it to reach areas of the body with poor circulation, including the inner ear.

How does HbOT for sudden hearing loss work?

Increased oxygen delivery

When breathing almost 100% pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber, oxygen is dissolved directly into plasma, reaching the tiny blood vessels of the cochlea or inner ear, more efficiently.

This provides an effective delivery of a concentrated dose of oxygen into cochlear tissues, combating the effects of hypoxia by reopening constricted or blocked blood vessels.

Reduces Inflammation

Many SSNHL cases, especially conditions caused by viruses, can be inflammatory in nature. HbOT reduces swelling and oxidative stress within the inner ear.

Promotes healing

HbOT treatments stimulate tissue repair and blood vessel formation, aiding natural healing and supporting long-term recovery.

The Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) has published a number of news articles about the effectiveness of HbOT treatments for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in divers.

Several recent studies have shown that HbOT significantly enhances hearing recovery when combined with corticosteroid treatments:

• A 2021 meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials found that HbOT was “significantly associated with improved hearing outcomes” in SSNHL patients.
• A 2022 study recorded an average hearing gain of 17.9 dB in patients who received HbOT for sudden hearing loss as an adjunct therapy to conventional treatment.

HbOT for sudden hearing loss is an even more effective treatment when started as soon as possible following a sudden change in hearing ability.

• A 2024 umbrella review concluded that HbOT is most effective when initiated within 14 days of the onset of symptoms.

• A recently published research article found that HbOT treatments for sudden hearing loss were especially beneficial for patients with severe or profound hearing loss.

Our friendly staff at Oxify centres in Leeds, Manchester, Retford, York and Newcastle/Gateshead will explain what will happen and check on you during your treatment session.

Contact us to find out more or book a taster session in an Oxify clinic of your choice by following the instructions on screen.