General Research
Model: human
A double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial of hydrogen inhalation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
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Hope for Sudden Hearing Loss: How Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy Shows Promise
A Japanese study found that inhaling hydrogen gas may help improve hearing in people with sudden, unexplained hearing loss. This condition, known as idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, can significantly impact a person's quality of life. The study's positive results offer hope for a new, relatively simple treatment option.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2022 Country Japan Rank Positive Journal Frontiers in Neuroscience Primary Topic Ear Secondary TopicHearing Loss Model Human Tertiary TopicIdiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Inhalation Comparison Complement
Background
Materials and methods: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial at six hospitals between June 2019 and March 2022. The study protocol and trial registration have been published in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT, No. jRCTs06119004). We randomly assigned patients with ISSNHL to receive either H2 (H2 group) or air as a placebo (control group) through inhalation combined with the administration of systemic glucocorticoids and prostaglandin E1. The primary outcome was the hearing threshold and changes in hearing threshold 3 months after therapy. In contrast, the secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with a good prognosis (complete recovery or marked improvement).
Results
Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of H2 for the treatment of ISSNHL in humans. The results suggest that H2 therapy may be effective for ISSNHL treatment. Clinical trial registration: [https://jrct.niph.go.jp/re/reports/detail/10442], identifier [jRCTs06119004]. Keywords: free radical; hearing loss; hydrogen; inner ear; sudden deafness.