Sudden dullness in one ear, difficulty hearing, or a ringing sound might be signs of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a loss of hearing of more than 30 decibels in at least three connected frequencies within three days. Unexpected hearing loss often results from a complex interaction of various factors and is most common in people aged 30 to 50, usually accompanying tinnitus or dizziness. The exact cause is unknown as it happens without warning. Medical experts suspect viral infections or vascular disorders to be the major causes, but in some patients, autoimmune diseases, auditory nerve tumors, and Meniere’s disease are found to be factors.
Treating unanticipated sensorineural hearing loss involves ruling out possible causes one by one. The direction of the affected ear, the timing of the onset, the presence of symptoms such as ear fullness, tinnitus, vertigo, other ear diseases like otitis media, and other underlying conditions are considered. After examining the eardrum and conducting a hearing test to assess the pattern and degree of hearing loss, a comprehensive evaluation is made based on the examination and test results.
For idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, oral steroid therapy and circulation-improving drugs are typically used. Depending on the estimated cause and symptoms, direct steroid injections into the eardrum or surgical treatments may also be considered. All treatments are carried out while observing the progress of the hearing test and treatment.
Since the cause of onset is unknown, no specific preventative measures for sudden sensorineural hearing loss are offered. However, treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss might be complicated for people with an underlying condition. Thus, maintaining health improves the prognosis and reduces the possibility of complications: regular exercise, no smoking, and no drinking. Additionally, regularly cleaning and disinfecting earphones can help prevent otitis externa, which can also help prevent sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Professor Choi Jun of Korea University Ansan Hospital’s Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery department said, “About 30-40% of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss regain normal hearing, but the remaining 60-70% experience reduced hearing or permanent loss. The effectiveness of treatment significantly decreases after 1-3 months from the onset of hearing loss. Therefore, if you experience difficulty hearing, tinnitus, or vertigo, seek medical attention as soon as possible to preserve your hearing.”
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