URGENT HYPERBARIC TREATMENT REFERRAL FOR SUDDEN SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

The rapid onset of hearing loss with profound effects on quality of life is referred to as Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL).  Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been proven to improve the outcome in over 50% of patients when compared to medical therapy alone for treatment.  OHIP fully covers HBOT for ISSNHL as long as the following criteria are met:

  • Patient is receiving concurrent Corticosteroid Treatment
  • HBOT is started within 30 days of ISSNHL Diagnosis
TREATMENT

York Hyperbaric Medicine Centre’s protocol for ISSNHL consists of twenty (20) daily HBOT treatments in a monoplace chamber at 2.4ATA five days a week.  Additional treatments may be advised secondary to patient’s ongoing progress.

Pathway

    1. The Patient is diagnosed with ISSNHL by their ENT
    2. Urgent HBOT Referral is sent to us via email as an e-referral ([email protected]) or via fax at (905-235-1277).  Referrals can be made directly EMR (Accuro) or through our website: yorkhbot.com.  If you have any questions, please call our clinic at 289-803-9119 x2.
    3. If the patient is located a fair distance from our center and travel is a concern, we will collaborate with our other HBOT centers in the region to find the patient treatment at a more convenient location.
    4. We aim for same-day consultation and treatment when possible.  Virtual consultation is also possible.  
    5. The first treatment will be within twenty four (24) to seventy two (72) hours from initial assessment.