A retrospective study of 248 patients with sudden deafness found that starting corticosteroid therapy within 7 days and younger patient age were associated with better hearing outcomes. Batroxobin and acupuncture showed no added benefit, while hyperbaric oxygen therapy was linked to smaller hearing gains in some subtypes. Rescue intratympanic corticosteroid therapy improved hearing among patients with poor initial response, particularly in those with total deafness. Limitations included the retrospective design, small sample size, and single-center setting.

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology