In a patient with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) presenting within 24 hours, the initial treatment of choice according to current AAO-HNSF guidelines is:

• A Intravenous vasodilators (pentoxifylline)
• B Antiviral agents (valacyclovir)
• C Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as monotherapy
• D High-dose systemic corticosteroids (oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day for 10–14 days) ✓

Explanation

Current AAO-HNSF 2019 guidelines recommend high-dose systemic corticosteroids (oral prednisolone 60 mg/day or equivalent for 10–14 days with tapering) as first-line treatment for idiopathic SSNHL presenting within 14 days. Intratympanic steroids are recommended as salvage therapy if initial systemic steroids fail or as primary treatment when systemic steroids are contraindicated. Antivirals are no longer recommended as routine treatment. Vasodilators and hyperbaric oxygen lack strong evidence as monotherapy. Steroids are believed to reduce cochlear inflammation and endolymphatic hydrops.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.