Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG98/1

Question

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss:- What is the most effective route of administration of steroids as a first-line treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is usually unilateral, can range from mild to total and can be temporary or permanent. SSNHL has a significant impact on people's lives, causing considerable concern and disability, particularly if there is already a hearing deficit in the other ear.
First-line treatment options for idiopathic SSNHL can include oral steroids, intra-tympanic steroid injections or a combination of both. There is a paucity of evidence assessing the effectiveness of these different treatment options. There is heterogeneity in doses and types of steroids and this makes the findings unreliable. Therefore, it is difficult to establish the most clinically and costeffective route of administration of steroids as first-line treatment for idiopathic SSNHL. This has a direct impact on the care provided to people with SSNHL and on our ability to develop robust guidelines and policy.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management

Number

NG98

Date issued

June 2018

Other details