Semicircular canal dysfunction in profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss and its prognostic value: implications for the proper indication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Vestibular involvement in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is regarded as an indicator of poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of semicircular canal dysfunction in profound SSNHL and evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) accordingly....

Clinicians managing profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss should consider testing semicircular canal function, as dysfunction may serve as a negative prognostic marker and could help refine patient selection for hyperbaric oxygen therapy — pending replication in larger cohorts.

Identifying reliable prognostic markers in sudden sensorineural hearing loss could reduce unnecessary or ineffective hyperbaric oxygen therapy referrals and personalise treatment decisions.

1. 01Semicircular canal dysfunction was investigated as a prognostic marker in profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
2. 02Canal dysfunction may signal more severe inner-ear damage, potentially predicting poorer hearing recovery.
3. 03Findings have direct implications for selecting which SSNHL patients are most likely to benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
4. 04Study adds vestibular assessment to the diagnostic workup conversation for SSNHL management.

PMID

42230800

DOI

10.1038/s41598-026-53421-7.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients with profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Intervention

Assessment of semicircular canal function as a prognostic marker

Comparator

Patients without semicircular canal dysfunction