Oral Steroids for Sudden Hearing Loss

Oral steroids treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Ménière's Disease, and rapidly fluctuating hearing loss. Oral steroids are typically given at high doses for two weeks. It is typical to experience anxiety, hunger, and difficulty sleeping while on steroids. Complications are rare and include temporary blood sugar spikes (hyperglycemia or temporary diabetes). Some complications are exceedingly rare such as hearing and seeing things that aren't there (psychosis). Permanent hip damage, the kind that can require a hip replacement, is thought to be seen in longer courses of steroids.

For patients who want to avoid oral steroids, ear injections of steroid are an option. These are also called "intratympanic" injections.

For severe sudden sensorineural hearing loss, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended.