Sudden Hearing Loss

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) with Class IV Laser Therapy to Help Treat Sudden Hearing Loss in Dr. Adam Fields’ Los Gatos Office

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is frightening, can go unexplained, and strikes without warning. In many cases, however, treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), class IV laser therapy, and endonasal cranial adjustments, are now available to help restore your hearing. At Dr. Adam Fields’ office in Los Gatos, people with hearing loss are finding hope. 

What causes sudden hearing loss?

However, for most people, no clear cause can be identified. In SSNHL, the delicate hair cells in the cochlea that detect sound may be damaged, or the auditory nerve itself may be affected. When this occurs, sound signals cannot be properly transmitted to the brain, leading to a loss of hearing.

The primary symptom of SSNHL is an unexplained loss of hearing which typically occurs in one ear. Other symptoms include tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and possibly dizziness or vertigo.

How can sudden hearing loss be helped by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a promising treatment option for SSNHL.  Ideally, treatment should begin within the first 2 weeks but results are still possible when starting later. In HBOT, you breathe in close to pure oxygen while in a pressurized chamber. In this environment, oxygen goes into a solution in the plasma in your blood. The plasma is thinner than your red blood cells and can oxygenate tissues that have a tough time getting blood. This increased oxygen supply accelerates your body’s natural healing processes and promotes tissue repair. In the case of SSNHL, HBOT can be particularly effective for the following reasons:

1. Enhanced Oxygenation of the Inner Ear: The cochlea and the auditory nerve require a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. Impaired blood flow is a common factor in SSNHL. So, helping restore proper oxygenation to the inner ear can help reverse the damage.
2. Reduction of Inflammation. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation. As a result, people often experience reduced swelling and improved function in the auditory system.
3. Promotion of Tissue Regeneration: The oxygen delivered during HBOT accelerates tissue healing and the regeneration of damaged cells. This process can help repair the cochlea and auditory nerve.
4. Improved Blood Flow: HBOT can help stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). In cases where vascular insufficiency contributes to SSNHL, HBOT may help restore proper blood flow to the affected area, enhancing healing and function.
5. Neuroprotection: HBOT may have neuroprotective effects, helping to protect the auditory nerve from further damage and supporting its recovery.

What research studies support HBOT for sudden hearing loss? 

Several studies have shown promising results for the use of HBOT in treating SSNHL. In a 2013 study published in the journal Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, researchers found that “patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss who were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy demonstrated significant improvements in hearing compared to those who received standard treatments alone.” The study concluded that “HBOT appears to be a promising adjunctive treatment for SSNHL.”

Joshua TG, Ayub A, Wijesinghe P, Nunez DA. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Jan 1;148(1):5-11. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.2685. PMID: 34709348; PMCID: PMC8554691.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34709348/

Another study, published in The Laryngoscope in 2011, examined the effects of HBOT on patients with sudden hearing loss. The results indicated that “HBOT is associated with a higher rate of hearing recovery when used within the first two weeks of onset.” This underscores the importance of early intervention, as patients who begin HBOT treatment promptly after experiencing SSNHL tend to have the best outcomes.

Wang, H., Chen, T., Chou, F., Lee, C., Wang, H., Lai, H., & Chang, T. (2023). Effect of the Timing of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on the Prognosis of Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Biomedicines, 11(10), 2670. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102670

Additionally, a systematic review published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2017 analyzed multiple studies on the use of HBOT for SSNHL. The review concluded that “HBOT may provide a significant benefit for patients suffering from SSNHL, particularly when used in combination with other therapies.” This highlights the potential for HBOT to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for SSNHL.

Bayoumy, A. B. (2019). The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute hearing loss: A narrative review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 276(7), 1859. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05469-7

How many sessions are suggested for HBOT 

At Dr. Adam Fields’ offices in Los Gatos, California we typically recommend a series of 20 to 30 HBOT sessions. Sessions are generally scheduled five days a week, with each session lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. 

Cranial Adjustments: Another Effective Treatment for SSNHL

Dr Fields uses Endonasal Cranial Adjusting or the Craniofacial Release Technique to help SSNHL. Here he inserts balloons into the nostrils at prescribed locations and depths to adjust the cranial bones. Misalignments or restrictions in the cranial bones can interfere with proper auditory function, leading to hearing loss.

Dr. Fields has decades of experience in providing cranial adjustments that help restore alignment and improve circulation to the auditory system. Many people who receive both HBOT and cranial adjustments report enhanced results, as the therapies work synergistically to improve hearing function and reduce symptoms of SSNHL.  Cranial adjustments can improve brain/cranial vault detoxification through enhanced fluid flow dynamics of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).  This aids in the removal of toxins or inflammation in the cranial vault that may contribute to inner ear issues.

Laser Therapy for Tinnitus 

There is growing scientific interest in the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation for hearing-related conditions, including tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. Key studies include:

1. Effectiveness in Tinnitus: Several studies have shown that LLLT, can improve outcomes for tinnitus by enhancing inner ear cell regeneration and improving peripheral circulation.
2. Hearing-Related Applications: A bibliometric study analyzed 14 relevant articles and highlighted the potential of LLLT in treating noise-induced hearing loss and other audiological conditions.
3. General Benefits: LLLT has been used in Europe for over two decades for tissue repair and pain management, with expanding applications in audiology as more evidence emerges.

Our in-office class IV laser therapy and Dr Lutz Wilden’s home laser which we carry in our office could even be stand-alone treatments for Sudden Hearing Loss and even age related hearing loss. In the process of photobiomodulation, light feeds the mitochondria frequencies that it then uses to create more energy for the cell. This has been shown to regenerated tissue and the cochlea of your ears is no exception.

Benefits of Laser Therapy for Tinnitus Associated with Sudden Hearing Loss: 

• The anti-inflammatory properties of laser therapy help reduce the ringing or buzzing sounds characteristic of tinnitus.
• Stimulation of mitochondrial activity enhances the repair and regeneration of damaged hair cells in the inner ear.
• Laser therapy increases microcirculation in the inner ear, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, which can promote recovery and reduce symptoms of tinnitus.

If you are struggling with sudden hearing loss, Dr. Adam Fields’ offices in San Jose and Los Gatos offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you restore your hearing, alleviate symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

Sudden hearing loss can be a daunting condition, but treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), class IV laser, and cranial adjustments offer real hope for recovery. With the expertise of Dr. Adam Fields, you can access these cutting-edge treatments in Los Gatos, where we are committed to providing personalized care and effective solutions for those suffering from SSNHL. If you or a loved one is experiencing sudden hearing loss, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule a consultation and begin your path to healing.