Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated with adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Abstract The objective of this study is to evaluate possible prognostic factors of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hear ing loss (ISSNHL) treated with adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) using univariate and multivariate analy ses. From January 2008 to October 2016, records of 178 ISSNHL patients treated with auxiliary hyperbaric oxygen therapy were reviewed to assess hearing recovery and evalu ate associated prognostic factors (gender, age, localization, initial hearing threshold, presence of tinnitus, vertigo, ear fullness, hypertension, diabetes, onset of HBOT, number of HBOT, and audiogram), by using univariate and multivari ate analyses. The overall recovery rate was 37.1%, includ ing complete recovery (19.7%) and partial recovery (17.4%). According to multivariate analysis, later onset of HBOT and higher initial hearing threshold were associated with a poor prognosis in ISSNHL patients treated with HBOT. HBOT is a safe and beneficial adjuvant therapy for ISSNHL patients. 20 sessions of HBOT is possibly enough to show its thera peutic effect. Earlier HBOT onset and lower initial hearing threshold is associated with favorable hearing recovery