Some of the latest developments are in the area of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It is the most common form of hearing loss, affecting about 17 million Americans. Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear, where tiny hair cells convert sound vibrations into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain.

Steroid Therapy

At Loyola University Health System, otolaryngologist Sam Marzo, M.D., is investigating an innovative approach to treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It is a mysterious problem that can strike an otherwise healthy person who wakes up to find that his hearing is decreased or totally gone in one ear. It may be caused by an infection, an injury or in response to certain medications, but in most cases, the cause is unknown. Sometimes patients recover on their own; other times the hearing loss is permanent.

Patients with sudden hearing loss should consult an otolaryngologist as soon as possible because treatments are most effective in the first few weeks. Standard medical treatments include antibiotics and steroids. For patients who do not respond to these approaches, Marzo can treat them with steroid medication that is delivered directly to the middle ear and then absorbed into the inner ear. The treatment must be applied within six weeks of the patient's first symptoms for best results.

Marzo inserts a sponge through the eardrum, and the patient applies steroid drops at home. If there is no improvement after a week or two, Marzo inserts a specialized catheter, which is connected to a pump that the patient wears for two weeks while it delivers a constant dosage of steroid medicine to the inner ear. The patient can work or perform other daily activities while the device is in place. The catheter is removed when the treatment is completed.

Marzo is one of few otolaryngologists in the Midwest who performs this technique. Although not all patients respond with improved hearing, Marzo has had several patients regain all of their hearing.

Implantable Hearing Device

Another new treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is an implantable hearing device called the SOUNDTEC Direct System, which turns sound into electromagnetic waves that are received by a tiny magnet implanted in the middle ear.

This device may be a good option for people who can benefit from a traditional hearing aid but are bothered by feedback, distortion or pressure, Marzo said. "It gives a clearer, more natural sound."

The magnet is implanted during an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure is much less invasive than procedures required for other implantable devices, and costs are similar to a pair of high-end hearing aids.

Cochlear Implants for Deafness

Cochlear implants have been used for about 10 years to help people with severe hearing losses. Recently, the devices have been improved, implantation is easier, and, as a result, more patients are eligible, Marzo noted.

The cochlear implant has components that are worn comfortably and inconspicuously externally and internally, including a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter that sends signals to the implant that is placed in the patient's inner ear by a surgeon.

With all the new treatments available, people with hearing loss are likely to find something that will help. "There are new treatments available for most types of hearing loss, so it is worth investigating to see if you might be a candidate," said Marzo.

Appointments with an otolaryngologist can be made by calling (708) 216-8563.

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