Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can have a major impact on how you experience the world around you and may leave you feeling helpless and confused. 

The hearing loss develops rapidly, within a 72-hour period, and typically affects only one ear.

Those who experience symptoms of sudden sensorineural hearing loss usually face one or more of the following: 

• Hearing loss can range from mild (challenges hearing specific frequencies or in certain environments) to complete deafness
• A sensation of having a blocked ear
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
• Dizziness or vertigo

Aviv Clinics offers advanced treatment that can help individuals with SSHL improve their symptoms and elevate their quality of life. 

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), also known as sudden deafness, is a rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear. 

What causes sudden sensorineural hearing loss isn’t always clear. As many as 90% of SSHL cases are idiopathic or of unknown cause. However, the condition is often connected to viral infections, inflammation, neurological disorders, or blood circulation issues. 

Studies illustrate early intervention with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), like the protocol  offered at Aviv Clinics, can improve outcomes for those suffering from SSHL. 

SSHL impacts each individual differently. Aviv Clinics prioritizes your personal journey to customize a path toward recovery. 

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss treatment at Aviv Clinics is based on an extensive assessment of your condition. The first step is to complete a pre-assessment to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. You will need to provide an audiology test (we are happy to refer you to an ENT if you’ve not already had one). Our team may also recommend a specialized MRI focused on the vestibulocochlear nerve, a chest X-ray, or an electrocardiogram (ECG). 

This assessment helps us develop a targeted SSHL treatment plan for your needs. After treatment, we’ll conduct additional tests to determine how you have progressed and whether further intervention is needed. 

Reclaim your life with Aviv Clinics.

Individuals with SSHL have found renewed hope at Aviv Clinics with personalized treatment plans. 

Research indicates HBOT, alongside corticosteroids, is an impactful treatment plan for idiopathic SSHL. Studies have shown that the world’s most advanced HBOT, offered by Aviv Clinics, can increase blood flow and tissue oxygenation. This promotes healing at the cellular level, as well as an anti-inflammatory response.

Typical treatment protocol for SSHL includes 20 two-hour HBOT sessions. Steroids or intratympanic steroids may be provided by your ENT. 

At Aviv Clinics, HBOT sessions are conducted in spacious suites designed for your comfort. During your sessions, you’ll breathe medical-grade oxygen through a mask, with short breaks as needed. Our experienced care team will thoroughly review safety protocols with you before your first session to ensure a safe and positive experience.

Does Aviv Clinics Accept Insurance? 

At this time, Aviv Clinics does not accept insurance for SSHL treatment. However, we are hopeful that as research and the body of evidence of HBOT in SSHL treatment grows, this will lead to increased coverage for this condition.

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What Is the New Treatment for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss? 

The American Academy of Otolaryngology recognizes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in combination with corticosteroids, as an effective treatment option for idiopathic SSHL. Ongoing studies indicate that this treatment method is most effective when initiated “within three days of symptom onset.”

“The FDA has approved the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy” for this condition.

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How Rare Is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss? 

SSHL impacts “between one and six people per 5,000 every year.” However, the actual number of new cases can be higher due to the tendency of SSHL to go undiagnosed. 

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What Viruses Cause Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Studies illustrate a “possible association between” viruses and SSNHL. These include: 

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis virus
• Measles virus
• Rubella virus
• Mumps virus
• Lassa virus
• Enterovirus 

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How Long Does It Take to Recover from Sudden Sensorinueral Hearing Loss? 

Early intervention is key. After being treated within the 3-day window of the onset of SSHL, 71% of patients achieved complete recovery, and 10% experienced partial hearing improvement. 

Please keep in mind, that every individual’s body is different. So we advise speaking with your healthcare provider for further details on your recovery timeline.