Sudden hearing loss is hearing loss that occurs in a 1-3 day period of time. While it is not particularly common (about 1 in 20,000 people according to the Journal of American Medicine), it can be devastating and confusing to those who experience it. A new study funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders examined treatments for sudden hearing loss. While the treatment of choice depends on the cause (in many cases unknown) steroids are often used to treat sudden hearing loss. The study compared oral steroids to steroids which are injected directly into the ear.
The results showed that both treatments were equally effective. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Key points that should be taken into consideration for oral steroid use include:
- side effects like insomnia, weight gain, increased blood sugar, fragile skin, mood changes and lowered immunity
- oral steroids cost less than injections
- oral steroids can be taken at home
- no pain
Things to consider with steroid injections include:
- injections do not have the widespread side effects listed above for oral steroids
- injections are expensive
- you must go to the doctor's office to get injections
- injections can be very painful
The bottom line? You need to choose which treatment option is best for you. For more information on sudden hearing loss read:
Steroids May Help Hearing Loss
For more information on this study read:
Competing Treatments Comparable for Sudden Hearing Loss
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