NAD+ Enhanced on Hearing Recovery in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

The optimal treatment and timing for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remain debated. This study aimed to determine if the hearing improvement and recovery time were better in the NAD+ group as compared to the control group. There was a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted between June 2022 and June 2024. SSNHL patients were randomly divided into two groups: the NAD+ group (NAD+ plus standard treatment, n = 18) and the control group (standard treatment, n = 20). The primary outcomes were PTA improvement, recovery rate per Siegel's criteria, and average recovery time, measured from baseline to 3-month follow-ups. The study with 38 participants (average age 41.74 years, 78.98% male, 42.11% right ear, average Pre-PTA 76.88 dB HL) showed that the NAD+ group experienced significantly greater hearing improvement (40.21 dB HL) compared to the control group (23.06 dB HL, t = 2.722, p = 0.010). The effective rate was higher in the NAD+ group (94.44% vs. 60.00%, Z = -3.014, p = 0.003). Significant group × time interactions were noted in the NAD+ group (F = 2.867, p = 0.030), with greater improvements from 7 days to 3 months post-treatment. Recovery time was shorter in the NAD+ group (62.97 vs. 175.98 days, p = 0.028). Tinnitus and aural fullness improved more in the NAD+ group, especially after 3 months. Higher pre-treatment tinnitus and aural fullness scores were linked to better outcomes with NAD+ for SSNHL. NAD+ was more effective in improving hearing and reducing recovery time in SSNHL patients and also benefited tinnitus and aural fullness management.