Sudden Hearing Loss is an Emergency
What is considered Sudden Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is experienced in various ways. Gradual hearing loss can occur over several years with little to no awareness, until listening has become too difficult in situations that were once easy. Annual hearing exams will usually catch hearing changes and adjustments can be made to the prescription to encompass the current hearing observed.
It is important to note that sudden hearing change is different. When people experience this type of hearing loss it is as the name states, sudden. It can also be referred to as sudden deafness. People typically notice this sudden loss of hearing when they wake up or after experiencing a loud noise (1). This can be cause for concern with how abrupt it can be. If you notice this change it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible as this is considered a medical emergency. Sometimes people will put off help because they think the hearing loss is due to allergies, sinus infections, earwax or something that is not a cause for concern (1). It is better to have something looked at rather than suffer from the consequences later.
Sudden hearing loss is a serious condition that needs to be addressed quickly. The window to be possibly treated for sudden hearing loss is small. It is important to side on the error of caution as the longer the treatment is delayed the less likely your hearing will recover.
Reasons for worsening of hearing can occur for several reasons:
Infection
Changes to health systems
Medications (new, increases, or decreases of dose)
Noise exposure
Causes and treatment
Sometimes the cause of sudden hearing loss is unknown. An estimated 10 percent of people who experience sudden hearing loss have an identifiable cause which can include; infections, head trauma, autoimmune diseases, certain prescription drugs, blood circulation problems, neurologic disorders, auditory tumors, as well as ear disorders such as Meniere’s disease (1). With such a wide variety of causes it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact issue unless there is already a previous diagnosis of the previously stated causes above. A hearing evaluation will determine if the cause of the sudden loss has a medical point of origin.
Treatment for sudden hearing loss is important to try to restore the hearing you had before the change. The most common treatment is corticosteroids; steroids are used because the medicine helps with reducing inflammation and fighting illness (1). This can be administered in one or two ways. One option is an oral steroid pill or an intratympanic injection which is conducted by an otolaryngologist (1). The treatment option will be chosen by a medical professional depending on the severity of the situation and window time of treatment. Sometimes treatment can help restore some or partial of your hearing, but there are instances where the hearing does not recover and becomes permanent.
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