Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

What is Idiopathic Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

More commonly, sudden hearing loss is known as sudden deafness. It is an unexplained rapid loss of hearing which is usually diagnosed by an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist). It often occurs in one ear and can happened suddenly, over hours or a few days. 

HBOT is used to treat idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL), a common type of hearing loss. The most recent clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology include support the use of HBOT when combined with steroid therapy. This is completely covered by OHIP.

HBOT benefits patients with hearing loss by:

  • Delivering increased oxygen to the inner ear and nerve cells which are believed to be damaged in patients with ISSNHL
  • Reducing swelling and inflammation in the inner ear and hearing nerve cells
  • Increasing the body’s healing response

We work closely and collaboratively with regional ENT specialists to effectively manage hearing loss. 

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Works

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) enhances the healing process for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) by delivering pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber. This therapy significantly increases the oxygen supply to the inner ear, promoting healing and minimizing ischemic damage.

The improved oxygen diffusion through the cochlea aids in vascular recovery and tissue regeneration. HBOT also offers antibacterial effects and stimulates angiogenesis, which contributes to overall tissue repair. Used alongside corticosteroids, HBOT provides a comprehensive treatment approach, enhancing complete and partial hearing recovery in ISSHL patients by addressing the critical oxygen needs of the cochlea.

The Benefits of HBOT Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) offers numerous benefits for patients, particularly in enhancing the healing process and improving overall recovery outcomes. Below are some key advantages of HBOT therapy:

Enhanced Healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recognized for its ability to enhance the healing process by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, which accelerates recovery and reduces inflammation.

Improved Oxygenation

By providing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, HBOT significantly improves oxygenation of tissues, promoting faster recovery and better outcomes for conditions like ISSHL and chronic wounds.

Reduced Inflammation

HBOT helps reduce inflammation, which is crucial for effective healing and recovery, especially in cases of severe injuries or chronic conditions.

Antibacterial Effects

The therapy offers antibacterial benefits through the production of oxygen radicals, helping to prevent and treat infections.

Angiogenesis and Tissue Regeneration

HBOT stimulates angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and supports tissue regeneration, essential for healing damaged areas.

Why Patients are choosing US

Highest level of Patient Care

We are proud to announce that we are one of Ontario’s few HBOT clinics to also offer wound care services. This important offering signifies our commitment to ensuring the well-being of our patients dealing with various types of wounds.

Our dedicated team of experienced healthcare professionals is equipped to address a wide range of wound-related issues. Whether you have chronic wounds, surgical incisions, or injuries requiring specialized attention, you can trust our clinic to provide compassionate and effective wound care tailored to your unique needs.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help treat:

  • Non-healing wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, non-healing surgical wounds
  • Delayed radiation injury (such as injury to the bladder or gut after cancer therapy)
  • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (idiopathic)
  • Exceptional blood loss
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning and/or cyanide poisoning (from inhaling smoke or car exhaust)
  • Gas gangrene (clostridial myositis and myonecrosis)
  • Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias (such as frostbite)
  • Decompression sickness (“the bends”)
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How HBOT Works?

HBOT enhances healing of various conditions by bringing oxygen-rich plasma to tissue starved for oxygen. Patients are treated in special pressurized chambers with 100% oxygen. Within the HBOT chamber, air pressure is increased two to three times normal pressure in a safe and monitored environment. Under these conditions, your body can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing normal air.

With the additional oxygen throughout your body, you are able to fight infectious organisms and stimulate the release of growth factors and stem cells which promote healing.

Before you arrive for your first treatment, here's a few things you need to know:
  • No Hair Conditioner, Hair Spray, Gel, Clips, Pins or Hair Ties
  • No Deodorant or Powder
  • No Make-Up, Lipstick or Chapstick
  • No Oil, Grease or Petroleum Jelly products
  • No Perfume or Cologne
  • No Nail Polish, Gel Nails, Dip Powder or Acrylics
  • No hearing Aids, Ear Plugs, Bluetooth
  • No metal of any kind including jewelry
  • No medical patches of any kind, NO glucometer sensors except Dexcom
Download PDF Referral Form
Patient Referral Form
Ocean E Referrals