Evaluation of Treatments for Sudden Hearing Loss

Abstract

The relevant literature on the treatments for sudden hearing loss except for surgical treatments were reviewed. Five types of drug and stellate ganglion block were selected and their expected effects were summarized. It was shown that each treatment is directed toward at least one of the possible etiologies of sudden hearing loss. It was pointed out that it is still not clear which treatment is truly effective. It was emphasized that it is necessary to consider many factors influencing the prognosis, such as the initial hearing level, time from onset, and existence of vertigo, as well as the spontanous recovery, in order to properly evaluate the treatment for this disease.