A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON TOPICAL V/S SYSTEMIC CORTICOSTEROID THERAPY IN SUDDEN SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Abstract

Background: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is characterized by a hearing loss of at least 30 dB in the affected ear within three days across three consecutive frequencies. While typically unilateral, bilateral involvement occurs in 4% of cases. Untreated SSNHL can lead to persistent and disabling hearing loss, significantly impacting quality of life. Steroids are the primary treatment, but their efficacy varies based on dosage, route, and frequency of administration. This study compared the effects of different steroid administration routes on SSNHL outcomes.Methods:A total of 78 patients presenting with SSNHL were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (40 patients) received intratympanic dexamethasone (0.5 mg/mL) weekly for six weeks. Group 2 (38 patients) received oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) for seven days, tapered over two weeks. Pre- and post-treatment pure tone audiometry (PTA) was performed. Recovery was classified as:Complete: Follow-up PTA improved within 10 dB of baseline