Evaluation of super-high-dose steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

To determine the efficacy of a high-dose steroid regimen for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to evaluate the relationship between outcome and initial steroid dose. We conducted a retrospective study of 112 patients presenting to Saitama Medical Center. Patients received tapering courses of hydrocortisone (HC) with an initial dose of either 1200 mg or 600 mg. More than 87% of patients had recovery of hearing. When hearing stabilized, there were no significant differences between the 1200 mg and 600 mg groups in terms of hearing outcome ( P > 0.05). However, at completion of treatment, the 1200 mg group exhibited significantly superior complete recovery rate and improvement rate ( P < 0.05). Application of our treatment protocol of a tapered course of 1200 mg HC significantly and rapidly improves recovery outcomes in patients of SSNHL. EBM rating: C-4