Systematic review entailed extensive search on major databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, for publications up to May 7, 2025. The review was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible studies and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to combine odds ratios (ORs) for recovery of hearing.
The review consisted of 20 studies, including 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four prospective non-randomized studies. A total of 1,087 patients who underwent HBOT and 600 medical therapy alone-treated patients were assessed.
Key Findings
The meta-analysis consisted of ten studies and demonstrated convincing evidence favoring the application of HBOT in conjunction with MT alone, including steroids.
Patients treated with HBOT and medical therapy had 2.61 times greater chances of hearing improvement compared to those treated with medical therapy only (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.86–3.68, p < 0.001).
Subgroup analysis between HBOT + systemic steroids (SS) and SS alone revealed HBOT was linked with better outcomes (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.63–3.97, p < 0.001).
When HBOT + SS + intratympanic steroids (ITS) was contrasted with SS + ITS alone, the probability of recovery of hearing was still significantly higher for the HBOT group (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.39–5.02, p < 0.001).
It is highly suggestive of the fact that HBOT improves the effectiveness of both systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy for SSNHL.
This meta-analysis and systematic review came to the conclusion that standard medical therapy supplemented with hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly enhances hearing outcomes in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. These findings support the inclusion of HBOT in the treatment protocol in suitable patients.
Reference:
Alter, I. L., Hamiter, M., Han, J., Leu, C. S., Usseglio, J., & Lalwani, A. K. (2025). Hyperbaric Oxygen and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Laryngoscope, 10.1002/lary.32472. Advance online publication.
https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.32472
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.