Management of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic (2022 AMW)
2022 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency in which patients experience a sudden (within 72 hours) decrease in hearing that is sensorineural of 30 dB or greater over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies. Prompt recognition and confirmation with diagnostic audiogram are critical as there is a window of opportunity for medical interventions that may be successful in restoring hearing, and reducing associated symptoms. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) that was recently updated in 2019 to assist health care providers in appropriately managing SSNHL, specifically on idiopathic SSNHL that is not explained by an identifiable cause. Despite intense efforts to disseminate CPGs, previous studies have shown that abiding by the recommendations in CPGs is limited and adherence to certain key action statements is low. Since the 2019 CPG update on SSNHL, more audiometric outcome data has become available to determine the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as the sole option or when combined with steroid therapy for either initial therapy or salvage therapy following onset of SSNHL. For the past two COVID19 pandemic years, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus on the audiovestibular system and the debate of COVID19 vaccine association with SSNHL also deserve review of management options. This program will review current management of SSNHL in accordance with the 2019 CPG, and new evidence for expanded management options in the era of COVID19 pandemic. Emerging audiometric outcome data on hyperbaric oxygen therapy on SSNHL is still evolving. Previous otologic diagnoses as possible risk factors for developing SSNHL after COVID19 infection and vaccination still need to be studied. This program will provide an updated, evidence-based discussion of management of idiopathic SSNHL, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus on the audiovestibular system, and COVID19 vaccine association with SSNHL that would expand and modify management options for this condition.
Credits
CME:1.0, MOC:1.0