Treatment of sudden hearing loss using electro-acupuncture

OBJECTIVES Sudden neurosensory deafness is the second debilitating disease in China. In fact, the current treatment is limited to hearing aids, assistive devices and cochlear implants. However, some patients might not be suitable for surgery or even hearing aids. METHODS Hereby, we report a pediatric case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by otalgia and blocked ear sensation. RESULTS He firstly failed with conventional treatment but later his hearing symptoms were improved with our electro-acupuncture therapy according to pure tone audiometry findings and clinical responses. CONCLUSIONS It may be worth trying in patients with sudden neurosensory deafness, who do not respond to routine medical treatment. In line with previous studies, the current report indicates that future observational studies or even clinical trials are needed to prove the efficacy of acupuncture on hearing loss and the accompanying symptoms.