What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated the clinical efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) combined with oral corticosteroids in 56 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL), assessing hearing with audiograms and tinnitus with questionnaires.
What They Found
Of the 56 patients, a significant improvement was observed in audiogram results after HBO2 treatment (p < 0.001). Tinnitus evaluation scores, intensity, and related problems were also significantly reduced (p < 0.001).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy, alongside corticosteroids, could be an effective treatment option for Canadian patients experiencing sudden hearing loss and associated tinnitus. Patients might discuss this therapy with their healthcare providers as a potential strategy to improve hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is the varying completion rates for the different phases of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with only six out of 56 patients completing all five phases.