A 9-year-old boy in Ho Chi Minh City woke up one morning to find he had suddenly lost hearing in one ear. Fortunately, he was successfully treated at FV Hospital using an intratympanic steroid injection.

This technique involves delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly into the middle ear and can effectively restore hearing in just 3 to 5 sessions. FV Hospital is one of the few medical centres in Vietnam offering intratympanic steroid injections for children with sudden hearing loss – without requiring hospitalisation.

Sudden Hearing Loss Overnight

Previously healthy, N.T.V. began showing unusual signs: he became less responsive during conversations and only reacted when spoken to in a louder voice. Concerned about a possible hearing problem, his family brought him to FV Hospital for evaluation.

After examining his ears, Vo Cong Minh, MD, PhD – Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at FV Hospital – diagnosed N.T.V. with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in the left ear, with hearing levels reduced by 70–80 dB, approaching profound deafness. To restore hearing, Dr Minh recommended intratympanic injections, a technique that delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the middle ear.

The procedure begins with the application of topical anaesthesia for around 20 to 25 minutes. Under endoscopic guidance, Dr Minh uses a fine needle to inject Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, through the eardrum into the middle ear. After the injection, the patient must remain still in a fixed position for 20 minutes and avoid swallowing or speaking to maximise absorption in the inner ear. The entire session, including preparation and post-injection rest, takes approximately 45–50 minutes, after which the patient can return home.

Treating sudden hearing loss in children with intratympanic injections is a delicate procedure that requires both technical skill and considerable patience from the physician. Young children are often anxious or fearful about having a needle inserted into their ear, so psychological preparation is a crucial part of the treatment process.

A standard treatment course consists of five intratympanic injections, administered on alternate days. In V.’s case, his hearing improved by approximately 40 dB after just the third injection. Within three months, his hearing had nearly returned to normal, with only a mild loss of around 10 dB remaining. V.’s family was overjoyed at his remarkable recovery following the sudden onset of deafness. Dr Minh noted that the boy’s hearing is expected to continue improving over time.

Full Recovery Possible When Treated Within the “Golden Window”

Sudden hearing loss refers to a rapid decrease or complete loss of hearing, typically in one ear, and is often first noticed after waking. Although it is more commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults, the condition can occasionally affect children as well.

Sudden hearing loss can have a range of causes. Some are identifiable, such as earwax completely blocking the ear canal or middle ear infections. Others involve the inner ear and may result from viral infections, medications or food-related side effects, allergic reactions, transient cerebral ischemia, or even psychological stress. However, many cases are classified as idiopathic, meaning no clear cause can be identified.

For cases of sudden hearing loss caused by inner ear conditions or with no identifiable cause, conventional treatments may include oral corticosteroids, medications to improve cerebral circulation, and in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Intratympanic injection provides a direct and effective intervention.

“Intratympanic injection is particularly beneficial for patients who are contraindicated for oral corticosteroids,” explained Dr Vo Cong Minh. “Patient cooperation is essential, especially maintaining a stable position after the injection to allow optimal absorption.”

“Clinical studies at FV Hospital involving around 30 patients show a success rate of approximately 66.7% for this method,” Dr Minh added. “Successful hearing improvement is defined as a gain of at least 20 dB at a minimum of three frequencies. While it may not always result in full recovery, the degree of improvement can significantly reduce the impact of hearing loss. Further hearing gains may continue to develop over the course of a year following the treatment.”

Timing is a key factor in the success of treatment. Research indicates that the “golden window” for intervention is within the first two weeks after symptoms begin. Patients who seek medical attention within 3 to 7 days have the highest chance of regaining near-normal hearing.

FV Hospital is one of the few facilities in Ho Chi Minh City offering intratympanic injection therapy for sudden hearing loss in young children. Notably, the treatment is provided on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for 5 to 10 days of hospitalisation and significantly reducing costs for families.

To schedule an appointment with Vo Cong Minh, MD, PhD, please contact Otorhinolaryngology Department at FV Hospital at (028) 3511 3333.