Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Multicenter Treatment Trial

If Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) is diagnosed within two weeks of the first symptoms, the standard treatment is high-dose oral steroids. Evidence now suggests that injection of medication into the middle ear is also effective and does not present the side effects of taking high-dose oral steroids.

Dr. Steven D. Rauch and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, together with seven centers nationwide, are participating in a 5-year clinical trial sponsored by NIDCD. Beginning in December 2004, this study will compare high-dose oral steroids with intratympanic (middle-ear) injections of a special formulation of steroid medication to treat SSHL.

This trial is currently recruiting. More information on the Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Multicenter Treatment Trial is available at http://www.suddendeafness.org and ClinicalTrials.gov.

This study is carried out in compliance with testing and safety standards of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.