Steroid drugs can relieve symptoms of inflammation. If a bacterial infection is found to be the cause, treatment also calls for the use of antibiotics. Depending on the type of underlying autoimmune disease involved, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids or other methods may be used in treatment. Hospitalization may be required and, in some cases, the use of steroids must continue indefinitely.

Between 40 and 70 percent of people recover functional hearing without treatment.