Local application of extracellular vesicles in sudden sensorineural hearing loss – feasibility of a novel treatment approach

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) poses significant challenges in Otolaryngology, with conventional treatments often yielding limited success. This case report describes our efforts to explore the potential of locally applied stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicle-rich secretomes (VSF) as an innovative therapy for steroid-resistant SSNHL. A patient with unilateral SSNHL, unresponsive to standard corticosteroid therapy, sought alternative treatments based on personal research. After consultation, the patient received local application of VSF at the round and oval window niches as a last-resort intervention 4 weeks after the hearing loss.

Material and Methods: The feasibility of this approach was supported by recent studies demonstrating the safety and potential efficacy of VSF therapies. The candidate drug was administered under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting as named patient experimental treatment.

Results: Postoperative evaluation revealed no adverse events of the EV-based therapy. A follow-up visit for thorough audiological evaluation is planned.

Discussion/ Conclusion: This case demonstrates the feasibility of translating vesicle-rich secretome-based therapies to clinical application in SSNHL. The ease of administration and apparent safety profile support potential wider investigation. While further research is required, this attempt underscores the feasibility of local EV-based VSF therapies for SSNHL.

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