Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as salvage treatment for post-traumatic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a case report

Introduction: We report the first case of hyperbaric oxygen therapy used to treat sensorineural hearing loss in a child after head trauma. Case report: A 13-year-old boy with no relevant past medical history presented to the emergency department with tinnitus and hypoacusia following head trauma. An ear computed tomography scan showed a right longitudinal temporal fracture sparing the otic capsule, and the audiogram identified a moderate sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear involving frequencies between 2,000 and 8,000 Hz. He was treated with corticosteroids and betahistine for an acute audiovestibular loss with resolution of the vestibular symptoms. At three months post-trauma the sensorineural hearing loss persisted. The patient started treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy with complete resolution of the hearing loss after 11 sessions. Conclusions: This case identifies potential benefit from salvage hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss of traumatic etiology.