Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) gets a lot of attention for sudden hearing loss. Some people call it a miracle. Others say it’s a myth. Here’s what I tell patients in Utah County every week.
Table of Contents
- What is HBOT?
- How HBOT theoretically helps hearing
- What the research says (especially sudden hearing loss)
- Risks, costs, and practical limits
- Who might consider HBOT—and who should not
- What to do first if your hearing drops suddenly
- FAQ
What is HBOT?
HBOT is a medical treatment where you breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The pressure helps push more oxygen into your blood and, in theory, into injured tissues—like the inner ear.
How HBOT theoretically helps hearing
You’ll hear a few common claims:
- Extra oxygen may improve inner-ear metabolism after injury.
- Reduced swelling could protect hair cells.
- Better oxygen delivery might help inflamed or ischemic cochlear tissues recover.
These are biologically plausible ideas, but they’re still theories. Evidence is mixed, and timing appears critical.
These are biologically plausible ideas, but they’re still theories. Evidence is mixed, and timing appears critical.
What the research says (especially sudden hearing loss)
When we look at sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), the best evidence suggests HBOT may offer a modest benefit when used early and alongside standard steroid therapy.
A study in the American Journal of Audiology (Wang et al., 2019) evaluated 64 patients with sudden hearing loss who received combined HBOT and drug treatment.
- About 59% showed some hearing improvement, and those who began HBOT within 7 days of onset were far more likely to recover hearing (odds ratio ≈ 28).
- Patients with complete hearing loss saw some of the best results when treated early.
A 2025 systematic review reinforced those findings. Researchers concluded that HBOT can improve hearing recovery when started promptly and used as an adjunct to steroid therapy, but results vary widely by severity and timing. HBOT was most effective for recent-onset SSNHL and least helpful for chronic or delayed cases.
Bottom line from the research: HBOT isn’t a miracle, but it might help some people with SSNHL—especially when started quickly.
If you like exploring emerging treatments, you might also enjoy our myth-busting piece: Red Light Therapy for Tinnitus—Breakthrough or Bust?
Risks, costs, and practical limits
- Cost & access: Courses can involve 10–20+ sessions. Many plans don’t cover HBOT for hearing loss. Out-of-pocket costs add up quickly.
- Time window: Benefit drops if you start late. Early action matters.
- Side effects: Ear barotrauma, sinus pressure, temporary vision changes, and rarely oxygen toxicity. Most patients do fine, but screening is important.
- No guarantees: Even with perfect timing, some patients see little or no change.
For general background on safety, see the CDC and professional society guidance for hyperbaric medicine and ear health; and review ASHA’s patient page above. When in doubt, ask us to walk you through your case.
Who might consider HBOT—and who should not
Might consider:
- Adults with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (usually in one ear), seen ASAP, already starting steroid therapy, and able to access a hyperbaric center quickly.
Usually not helpful:
- Long-standing hearing loss.
- Noise-induced loss from years ago.
- Typical age-related loss.
If you’re in American Fork, Lehi, Orem, Provo—or anywhere from American Fork to Spanish Fork—we can help you decide quickly and get you into the right treatment path.
What to do first if your hearing drops suddenly
- Treat it like an emergency. Same day is best.
- Call us now for a rapid hearing evaluation and medical triage. We coordinate with ENTs and can discuss HBOT timing if appropriate.
- Start evidence-based care fast—usually steroids—then decide whether HBOT makes sense for your situation.
Schedule now: Call our office immediately at 801-763-0724
Want to learn more about hearing conditions? Visit our Learning Center or read about our clinic.
FAQ
Is HBOT a cure for sudden hearing loss?
No. It’s not a cure. It may add a small benefit when used early with steroids, but results vary.
How soon should HBOT start after sudden hearing loss?
The sooner the better—ideally within days, and typically within two weeks, if it’s going to help.
How many HBOT sessions are typical?
Many protocols use 10–20 sessions, sometimes more. Exact plans vary by center and response.
Is HBOT covered by insurance for hearing loss?
Often not. Coverage is limited. Expect out-of-pocket costs unless your plan makes an exception.
What should I do first if one ear suddenly “goes out”?
Call us right away for a same-day hearing evaluation and medical triage. Time matters.
