Some children with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) may experience some improvement through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), though evidence for its effectiveness in pediatric cases remains limited. SSHL, also known as sudden deafness, is characterized by a rapid decrease in hearing—typically within three days—with a minimum loss of 30 decibels, affecting the ability to hear everyday conversations.
SSHL involves damage to the inner ear or neural pathways leading to the brain. While the condition can occur at any age, it is more commonly diagnosed in adults, particularly those in their late 40s and early 50s. The causes of SSHL are often unclear but may include viral infections, head trauma, noise injuries, autoimmune diseases, vascular conditions, neurological disorders or medication side effects.
HBOT is sometimes recommended when SSHL is thought to involve reduced blood flow to structures in the ear. The treatment consists of breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber during daily sessions that typically last about 90 minutes each. The number of sessions depends on individual cases.
Literature regarding HBOT for children with SSHL mainly comes from case studies rather than large-scale research. These case studies provide detailed accounts of individual experiences but do not offer broad conclusions due to their small sample sizes.
A small study conducted in Turkey examined 15 children with SSHL who received both steroids and HBOT. Results varied: half experienced complete recovery of hearing, one quarter had partial or slight recovery and one quarter showed no change. “It is important to note that, because the study was so small, we should interpret the results with caution. They do not predict how any one child will respond,” according to medical experts responding to a reader inquiry.
Parents are advised to consult with an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) for guidance tailored to their child’s situation.
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