As its name says, sudden deafness is a sudden hearing loss that can affect one or both ears.
It is estimated that in 70% of cases it is accompanied by tinnitus and in 30% by dizziness. Usually it is unilateral, with similar incidence for both men and women and a higher prevalence in patients aged between 40 and 60 years.
Sudden deafness is a medical emergency in which an early diagnosis is crucial as a late diagnosis may decrease treatment efficacy.
Once the diagnosis of sudden deafness is confirmed, corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory and/or vasodilator drugs are usually prescribed to treat the problem. However, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in addition to medication is often the only and best action to achieve more effective results.
The initiation of treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy will allow for better results if started early.