Exploring Sudden Onset Hearing Loss and Innovative PRP Treatments at Bridger ENT

Sudden hearing loss can strike without warning, leaving those affected confused and worried. This condition, often called sudden sensorineural hearing loss or sudden deafness, requires prompt attention to improve the chances of recovery. At Bridger ENT, patients have access to advanced treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which offers new hope for restoring hearing. This post explains sudden hearing loss, its symptoms, causes, and how PRP treatments at Bridger ENT are changing the way this condition is managed.

Audiology equipment for diagnosing sudden hearing loss

Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss occurs when a person experiences a rapid drop in hearing, usually in one ear, lasting more than 3 days. This is different from gradual hearing loss, which develops over years. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) involves damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways that connect the organ of hearing to the brain. A hearing test (audiogram) confirms SSNHL has occurred by showing (at least) a 30dB drop in 3 or more consecutive frequencies.

Symptoms to Watch For

• A sudden decrease in hearing ability, often described as muffled or blocked sound

• A feeling of fullness or pressure or 'cotton feeling' in the ear

• New onset, one-sided tinnitus (ringing) in the ear

• Dizziness or balance problems in some cases

  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Early treatment can significantly improve the chances of hearing recovery.

Causes of Sudden Deafness

The exact cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss is often unknown, but several factors may contribute:

• Viral infections affecting the inner ear

• Blood circulation problems in the ear

• Autoimmune diseases attacking ear tissues

• Head trauma or injury

• Exposure to toxic substances or medications

• Tumor on the hearing nerve

  
  

Because the cause is not always clear, doctors at Bridger ENT perform thorough evaluations to identify possible triggers and tailor treatment accordingly.

Traditional Treatments for Sudden Hearing Loss

Standard protocols for sudden hearing loss typically include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. These steroids can be given orally or through injections directly into the ear also known as intra-tympanic steroids. Other supportive treatments involve hyperbaric oxygen treatments to improve oxygen and blood flow.

While many patients respond to these treatments, some experience incomplete or no hearing recovery. This has led to the exploration of additional strategies to improve results.

Tri-Modal (Overlapping) Therapy Works Best

After seeing poor hearing recovery results with the standard treatments recommended in the 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update) Executive Summary (Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 161: 195-210), Dr. Dodson has improved upon his outcomes by giving oral steroids, intra-tympanic steroids, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy all at the same time. Taking his innovation one step further, Dr. Dodson is incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to his treatment algorithm.

How Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Works

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from the patient’s own blood. PRP contain growth factors that promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. PRP therapy has been used safely for many years in many surgical fields.

At Bridger ENT, PRP is used as an emerging treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The goal is to support the regeneration of damaged inner ear cells and improve hearing outcomes.

Benefits of PRP for Sudden Hearing Loss

• Uses the patient’s own blood, reducing risk of allergic reactions

• Targets healing in the inner ear with minimal side effects

• Can be combined with standard steroid treatments for better results

• Can be used as salvage therapy for Tri-Modality Treatment failures < 6 weeks from SSNHL

• Can be used as salvage therapy for patients seeking treatment > 6 weeks from SSNHL

• Shows promise in clinical studies for improving hearing recovery

  
  

What to Expect During PRP Treatment at Bridger ENT

The PRP procedure begins with a simple blood draw from the patient. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. Under local anesthesia, the doctor injects the PRP into the middle ear through the eardrum.

The treatment is outpatient and takes less than an hour. Patients may need several sessions depending on the severity of hearing loss and response to therapy.

Real Patient Experiences

Research has shown hearing improvement in patients whose SSNHL was treatment-resistant. In these studies, patients also experienced a decrease in tinnitus with PRP injection.

These cases highlight the potential of PRP to improve quality of life for those affected by sudden hearing loss.

When to Seek Help

Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. If you experience a rapid drop in hearing or sudden deafness, do not wait. Contact an ear, nose, and throat specialist immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances of recovery.

Bridger ENT offers comprehensive evaluations and access to advanced therapies like PRP, providing patients with options beyond traditional care.