Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as hearing loss of at least 30 decibels occurring over at least three consecutive audiometric frequencies and lasting at least 3 days. A specific etiology is identified only about 10 to 15 percent of the time, and the majority of cases are deemed idiopathic. Patients typically first notice symptoms upon waking and describe a sensation of aural fullness or blockage. They may also experience tinnitus, dizziness, or vertigo. The spontaneous recovery rate is difficult to determine since many patients do not seek medical care but it has been reported to range from 25 to 65 percent. In most controlled trials, the spontaneous recovery in patients receiving placebo therapy is between 35 and 39 percent. More than 60 treatment protocols have been described for SSNHL but the majority of these have not proven effective. The three most promising treatments include corticosteroids, vasodilators, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Of these, only hyperbaric oxygen has undergone sufficient randomized controlled trials to show a positive treatment effect in meta-analyses. This activity describes the indications, contraindications, and protocol for hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in promptly assisting patients seeking treatment.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/31619
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABOHNS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABOHNS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), General Otolaryngology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurotology, Otology, Pediatric Neurology