CURRENT AND EMERGING PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUDDEN SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Muhammed Adhil N. S. and Manju C. S.*

A fast decrease in hearing of 30 dB or more within 72 hours is known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), which usually affects one or both ears and frequently manifests with no apparent explanation. This medical emergency has the potential to seriously harm social interaction, communication, and mental health. Although Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is common, little is known about its origin, and there are few available treatments. Corticosteroids, which can be given orally or intratympanically, are the mainstay of current pharmacological therapy for inflammation reduction. Vasodilators like pentoxifylline and antiviral drugs like acyclovir have been studied, but their effectiveness is still up for debate. Although preliminary studies suggest potential benefits, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of these emerging treatments. Investigational therapies such as gene editing and growth factor-based approaches offer hope for restoring hearing in patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Continued research and clinical advancements are essential to refine these therapies and optimize their effectiveness in preventing permanent hearing loss and improving patient outcomes.