Prompt treatment is more important than which treatment, as most studies show that the prognosis for saving hearing deteriorates beyond the 7th day following onset of symptoms. Acoustic Neuromas Remember that 10 percent of patients with acoustic neuromas present with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Imaging with MRI or CT scan should be performed to rule out the likelihood of a mass lesion. The probability of perilymph rupture is greater in these patients and rapid diagnosis and institution of bedrest with fluids will improve chances of spontaneous closure. If bedrest does not relieve symptoms surgical intervention is warranted.
Decompression illness can also cause cochlear gas emboli with hearing loss.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is often misdiagnosed due to the failure of evaluating the patient with tuning forks. Perform a methodical exam of the ears and related structures. If hearing can be saved, intervention must be initiated early following symptom onset. Consultation with an otolaryngologist is very important as well as MRI and CT imaging to rule out mass lesions. The University of Iowa.