Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment with EECP Support
Sudden hearing loss requires rapid evaluation. According to the guideline, the first steps are a hearing test and steroid treatment in suitable patients. EECP is a method that has been studied in addition to these treatments, with limited evidence.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Supports treatment in patients with sudden hearing loss and helps hearing to be regained.
In sudden hearing loss, time matters; the guideline recommends a hearing test as soon as possible and within the first 14 days.
In a small study, flow in the neck vessels increased during EECP and hearing improved in some of the patients.
There is only one study, without a control group. EECP does not replace guideline treatments.
What Happens in Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss develops within hours or a few days and usually affects one ear. The cause often cannot be found. Ringing in the ear and dizziness may accompany it.
Inner ear
The inner ear cells that convert sound into nerve signals are very sensitive. These cells need regular and sufficient blood flow.
Neck vessels
Blood to the inner ear comes from the vessels in the neck. In a small study, flow in these vessels increased during EECP.
Hearing nerve and brain
The guideline recommends an MRI or a special hearing test to exclude other causes involving the hearing nerve.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Heart and blood pressure
Cardiovascular diseases can affect circulation throughout the body. For this reason, a heart and blood pressure assessment is done before EECP.
Small vessels
The vessels that feed the inner ear are very thin. Flow here cannot be measured directly; in the studies, flow in the neck vessels was measured instead.
Balance
The inner ear is also involved in balance. For this reason, dizziness and unsteadiness may accompany sudden hearing loss.
Inner Ear Circulation: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the circulation support targeted with EECP. The effect varies from person to person; your hearing is monitored with tests.
Sudden hearing loss
- Sudden decrease in hearing in one ear
- Ringing or a feeling of fullness
- Sometimes dizziness
Support in addition to guideline treatment
- An increase in flow in the neck vessels is targeted
- Steroid and other treatments are managed by the ear doctor
- Monitored with a hearing test
This is a schematic illustration. EECP does not replace guideline treatments in sudden hearing loss.
How Does EECP Help?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood heads toward the head
The pressure that rises while the heart relaxes is also reflected in the neck vessels. In a small study, flow in the internal carotid artery increased by 19 percent.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
Hearing is monitored
Hearing tests before and after the course are compared. The assessment is made together with your ear, nose and throat specialist.
What Has Been Reported in Studies?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Flow in the neck vessels
In the 33-patient study, flow in the internal carotid artery increased by 19 percent and flow in the vertebral artery by 11 percent during treatment.
Hearing
In 28 percent of the patients, the hearing threshold improved by an average of 19 dB.
Ringing in the ear
In 47 percent of the patients, the severity of the ringing decreased.
Persistence
The expert opinion from China states that the improvement in hearing was maintained at a one-year hearing test follow-up.
Guideline treatment
The guideline offers steroids within the first two weeks and, in some patients, hyperbaric oxygen as options.
Physician-Supervised
The sessions are carried out under medical supervision, in harmony with your ear doctor's treatment.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, an ear, nose and throat examination and a hearing test are done; guideline treatments are started. The decision on EECP is made after our cardiologist's assessment, in addition to these treatments.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss by a hearing test
- Patients whose hearing loss or ringing continues despite standard treatment
- Patients followed by an ear, nose and throat specialist who are suitable from a cardiovascular standpoint
- Patients with cardiovascular disease who are referred by their ear doctor because of sudden hearing loss
✕Not suitable for
- Sudden hearing loss that has not been diagnosed: an ear, nose and throat examination is needed first
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. At the end of the course, the results are reviewed with our cardiologist. In sudden hearing loss, the session plan is made in harmony with your ear doctor's treatment schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sudden Hearing Loss and EECP
What should I do first in sudden hearing loss?
See an ear, nose and throat specialist without delay. The guideline recommends a hearing test as soon as possible and within the first 14 days. According to the guideline, rapid diagnosis and treatment can increase the chance of hearing recovery.
Will EECP restore my hearing?
In an uncontrolled study, hearing improved in 28 percent of patients. Because there was no control group, it is not certain whether this was due to EECP.
Can I have EECP instead of steroid treatment?
No. Steroids and other treatments are managed by your ear, nose and throat specialist. EECP can only be discussed in addition to these and with your ear doctor's knowledge.
Does it affect ringing in the ear?
In the same study, the severity of ringing decreased in 47 percent of patients. This finding also relies on a small study without a control group.
Are there side effects?
In the study, complaints such as chest pain were seen in some patients and went away completely when the treatment was stopped. Sessions are carried out under medical supervision.
How many sessions are needed?
In the study, it was applied for one hour a day for 5 days, and in some patients for 10 days. The number of sessions is planned together with your ear doctor and our cardiologist.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
If you have had sudden hearing loss, see your ear, nose and throat specialist first. If you are considering EECP as an additional option, contact us along with your hearing tests. Our cardiologist will assess your suitability.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou