Infusion therapy
In infusion therapy, drug substances are dissolved in a solution. This solution (infusion) is injected into the vein and reaches the affected part of the body (e.g. the inner ear in the case of acute hearing loss) via the blood. In the guidelines for the therapy of sudden deafness, German ENT physicians recommend infusion therapy with glucocorticoids (prednisolone, methylprednisolone), which have an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect.
Infusion therapy can usually be carried out in outpatient practices and varies between 5 and 10 infusions, which are injected continuously one after the other, even at weekends. The duration of a session is between 30 and 40 minutes. When glucocorticoids are used over a long period of time, side effects may occur, such as osteoporosis, muscle loss or psychological changes (restlessness, sleep disturbance).
As glucocorticoids increase blood sugar levels, their use in diabetics should be particularly monitored. Another form of infusion therapy is rheological (= blood flow related) therapy. The aim of this method is to increase the blood flow in the inner ear.
The active ingredient hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has this blood flow increasing effect, as well as pentoxifylline or low-molecular dextranes (sugar molecules). The following side effects can occur when using these active ingredients via infusions: allergic reaction with itching, headaches, stomach pressure, urge to urinate, sleep disorders.The effectiveness of vitamin C in infusion therapy is currently being investigated, as it is increasingly suspected that vitamin C has a positive influence on blood circulation and healing of inflammation. A first study from Japan showed a significant improvement in hearing sensitivity after infusion therapy with vitamin C. Since this theory needs further investigation, no recommendations for this therapy can be made at this time. In conclusion, however, it must be said that the effectiveness of infusion therapy compared to other forms of therapy has not been clearly proven, which is why the statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of the therapy and the drugs used. Cortisone for acute hearing loss
