Using topiramate to treat sudden hearing loss

The Role of Migraine Prophylaxis Agent Topiramate in Treating Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Phase 2 Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT05403229

This study is testing if adding topiramate to standard steroid treatment can help people with sudden hearing loss recover their hearing better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (New Taipei City)
Trial IDNCT05403229 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of topiramate, a migraine prophylaxis medication, in treating patients diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Patients diagnosed with SSNHL within 14 days of onset will be randomized into two groups, one receiving systemic steroids alone and the other receiving steroids plus topiramate for six weeks. Follow-up assessments will include audiometry tests to evaluate hearing outcomes and treatment efficacy over a three-month period. The study aims to clarify the potential benefits of combining topiramate with standard steroid treatment for SSNHL.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated within 14 days of onset.

Not a fit: Patients with previous SSNHL history, other ear disorders, or specific health conditions such as Meniere's disease or major depression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option that improves hearing recovery in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have suggested potential benefits of combining topiramate with steroids, this prospective randomized trial is necessary to establish its efficacy in treating SSNHL.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 20
* Confirmed diagnosis of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)
* Treatment started 14 days within onset of SSNHL

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous SSNHL history
* Previous middle ear disorder such as chronic otitis media, or previous ear surgery
* Meniere's disease and fluctuating hearing loss patients
* Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant
* Leukemia, hemodialysis, and patients who received chemotherapy before.
* Previous head and neck radiotherapy
* cerebellopontine angle tumors such as vestibular schwannoma
* Patients with moderate to severe hepatic insufficiency
* Patients with major depression disorder or suicide attempt
* Patients with glaucoma

Where this trial is running

New Taipei City

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sudden DeafnessSudden Sensorineural Hearing Losssudden deafnessSSNHLmigrainetopiramatesudden sensorineural hearing loss
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.