Doctors urged to treat patients with sudden hearing loss within seven days

12 September 2024

New research led by Nish Mehta and a team of clinician scientists at UCLH have identified the factors which predict full hearing recovery, with the strongest predictor being treatment with steroids within seven days of a sudden drop in hearing.

The researchers collaborated with 240 junior doctors and undertook the largest study to date of adults who were seen with sudden hearing loss across 76 hospitals in England and Wales. The team analysed the data from the study and found that patients who received steroids within seven days were five times more likely to fully recover their hearing compared to those who were not given steroids, even after accounting for all other patient and hearing loss factors.

These findings are outlined today in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.

"Time is of the essence when it comes to restoring hearing after sudden hearing loss. It is important that patients who experience a sudden drop in their hearing seek urgent medical attention. It is also important that the medical teams who first see these patients either arrange appropriate urgent specialist review or consider steroid treatment if the specialist review is unlikely to occur within the appropriate timeframe."

“Consultations between specialists and patients can now benefit from precise predictions on the chance of full hearing recovery if our free online calculator is used. This information can be used to guide shared decision making between specialists and their patients regarding treatment and follow up plans.”

Mr Nish Mehta - UCLH Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, Honorary Associate Professor at the Ear Institute

“This study shows the power of collaborative research. It was uniquely delivered by junior doctors in NHS hospitals across England within the framework of the NIHR. The study answers questions that come up every day in the conversations between doctors and patients about sudden hearing loss.”

Professor Anne Schilder - Director NIHR UCLH BRC Hearing Theme & evidENT UCL Ear Institute

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