Steroid Administration Approach for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A National Survey in China.

Objective: To optimize a protocol for the steroid administration approach for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) in China.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to otolaryngologists. The data on demographics, indications for first-line and salvage treatment, such as intratympanic administration of steroids (ITS) and postauricular steroids (PAS), and procedures were analyzed.

Results: 74 respondents used oral steroids, 112 used intravenous injections, 10 used ITS and 6 used PAS as a monotherapy for first-line treatment, and 135 used ITS or PAS in conjunction with oral or intravenous injection as a first-line treatment. Of the 249 respondents who used ITS, 97.19% adopted it as salvage therapy. The most commonly used steroid was 0.5 ml dexamethasone at 5 mg/ml and the most common side effect was pain. Of the 174 respondents who used PAS, 94.25% used it as salvage therapy. The most commonly used steroid was 0.5 ml methylprednisolone mixed with 0.5 ml lidocaine.

Conclusions: The obtained data suggested that intravenous injection of steroids was the most popular treatment for ISSNHL and that ITS or PAS were used as a salvage treatment in China.