Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sudden Hearing Loss (ISSHL)
Sudden unexplained hearing loss is an otologic emergency. Flooding the delicate inner ear with high-concentration oxygen during the initial window helps revive stunned sensory cells and restore lost hearing.
Recognizing Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Patients often assume their ear is simply plugged with wax or fluid from a cold. If hearing suddenly disappeared within 72 hours, it requires immediate medical assessment.
Sudden Drop in One Ear
Waking up with sudden deafness, or noticing an abrupt decline in hearing over a few hours or days (typically in one ear).
Fullness or "Stuffed" Sensation
A feeling like there is water trapped deep inside the ear or that an earplug is stuck, often mistaken for earwax or congestion.
Ringing, Buzzing, or Tinnitus
Sudden onset of high-pitched ringing, roaring, or hissing sounds in the affected ear.
Dizziness or Vertigo
Mild lightheadedness, balance instability, or a spinning sensation that began around the same time hearing dropped.
How Oxygen Protects the Cochlea from Permanent Damage
The cochlea (inner ear organ of hearing) has one of the highest metabolic demands in the entire human body. Yet, it possesses no collateral or backup blood supply; it depends entirely on a single microvascular terminal artery.
When swelling or restricted circulation occurs, the sensory hair cells are starved of oxygen (hypoxia). Under standard atmospheric pressure, breathing air cannot deliver enough oxygen past swollen capillaries.
Inside our monoplace hyperbaric chamber, pressure is increased to 2.0–2.4 atmospheres (ATA) with 100% pure oxygen. This physically dissolves oxygen directly into blood plasma and inner ear fluids (perilymph), bypassing restricted vessels and resuscitating stunned auditory cells.
Treatment Protocol & Timing
Endorsed by Clinical ENT & Hyperbaric Societies
Both the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss as initial combination therapy or salvage therapy for incomplete recovery.
Sudden Hearing Loss Questions & Answers
Why is sudden hearing loss considered a medical emergency?
The cochlea (inner ear) requires an extraordinary amount of oxygen and energy to translate sound vibrations into electrical nerve signals. When blood supply is compromised—whether by viral inflammation, microvascular spasm, or thrombosis—sensory hair cells quickly suffer from severe oxygen starvation (ischemia). Starting treatment within the first 14 days gives the highest likelihood of reversing cellular damage before permanent nerve death occurs.
Is HBOT for sudden hearing loss covered by OHIP?
Yes, 100%. Under Ontario Ministry of Health and UHMS clinical guidelines, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is fully covered by OHIP. There are zero out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
What if I haven't seen an ENT specialist yet?
Do not wait. Because of the urgent therapeutic window, you can submit an online patient self-referral or have your family doctor / walk-in clinic doctor fax us a referral immediately. Our team can help coordinate an expedited audiogram and specialist consultation while planning your hyperbaric assessment.
I am already taking steroid pills. Can I still do hyperbaric therapy?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy in combination with systemic steroids as an established dual regimen for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
What does a treatment session feel like?
You lie comfortably inside our clear acrylic monoplace chamber breathing pure medical oxygen. You can watch Netflix, television, listen to music, or nap. Aside from brief ear popping during the first 10 minutes of pressurization (similar to descending on a plane), the treatment is painless and restful.
Don't Delay: The 14-Day Window Matters
Every day counts when saving auditory hair cells. Contact Simcoe Hyperbarics immediately to schedule an expedited consultation and protect your hearing.