According to research, about eight percent of the world’s population experiences sensorineural hearing loss or reduced hearing. This condition can vary in severity. In some people, it may be very mild, while in others, it can be deep and even include a constant ringing in the ears. Sudden deafness, also known as sudden hearing loss, can happen for many different reasons. A person with this condition may wake up one morning and suddenly realize they cannot hear well, or in some cases, they may become completely deaf without any warning signs. The best response in this situation is to see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible. If left untreated, the hearing loss might become permanent.
In this article, we will fully explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). Please read through to the end to get all the useful information.
Sudden Deafness Symptoms
Sudden deafness is not a condition that develops gradually over time. A person who had normal hearing just the day before may wake up the next morning and suddenly realize that something is wrong.
Sudden Deafness Symptoms
Sudden hearing loss often shows itself through symptoms such as:
- Difficulty following group conversations
- Not hearing speech clearly
- Inability to hear background sound
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds (high frequencies)
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Problems with balance
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
What is the most common cause of hearing loss?
Many people mistakenly believe that sudden deafness is caused by aging. However, this condition is not limited to older adults. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age.
According to studies, the most common cause of sudden hearing loss is a viral infection. When a person catches a virus, it may cause serious damage to the auditory nerve or inner ear, which can lead to sudden deafness.
This condition can occur without any warning, and the person may lose most or all of their hearing very quickly. In simple terms, sudden deafness can be similar to a stroke, but it affects the hearing nerves instead of the brain. It may even share some signs with blood vessel blockage or a traditional stroke, but it specifically targets the auditory system.
What could cause sudden deafness?
Sudden deafness can happen for many reasons. At times, a virus or an infection may harm the inner ear and lead to sudden hearing loss.
Sudden Deafness in One Ear
In other cases, it may happen after a head injury, a loud noise, or sudden changes in air pressure, such as during flying or diving. Certain medications may also damage the ear and result in hearing loss.
Problems with the immune system or blood circulation may also affect the ear and cause sudden deafness. In many situations, the exact reason behind the hearing loss remains unknown.
Sudden Deafness Causes
Several different factors may play a role in causing sudden hearing loss or sudden deafness. Some of the most important ones include
Severe head trauma
A strong blow to the head, especially when it causes a skull fracture or a serious brain injury, can damage the cochlea (the hearing organ in the inner ear) and lead to sudden deafness.
Breaking the sound barrier or sudden pressure changes
Rapid and extreme changes in air pressure, such as during air travel or diving, can cause a condition called barotrauma. This pressure-related injury can affect the ears and sinuses, leading to ear pain, hearing loss, damage to the inner ear, and in some cases, sudden deafness.
Taking certain harmful medications
Some drugs are known as ototoxic medications. These drugs, which are often used to treat kidney failure, can be toxic to the ears and may lead to hearing loss.
Sudden Deafness Causes
Viral infections
Certain viruses and infections can lead to hearing problems or sudden deafness. Viruses like mumps and measles are known to affect the auditory system and cause hearing loss in some people.
Autoimmune diseases
Conditions that weaken or confuse the immune system, such as Cogan’s syndrome or other autoimmune disorders, may damage the ear and cause sudden hearing loss.
Blood circulation problems
Some blood-related diseases, like Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, affect the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. These vascular issues can reduce blood flow to the inner ear and result in sudden deafness.
Other possible causes
Hormonal imbalances, tumors on the hearing nerve, and certain diseases that affect the ears can also contribute to sudden hearing loss.
Sudden Deafness Treatment
The first step in treating sudden hearing loss is a careful examination of the inner parts of the ear by an otolaryngologist. During this check-up, the doctor looks for any conditions that may have damaged the ear.
Sudden Deafness Treatment
After that, a series of three hearing tests are performed to measure hearing ability in both ears. If the tests show a hearing loss of 30 decibels or more, it is considered a sign of sudden deafness.
Some common treatment methods for sudden hearing loss are:
Corticosteroids and cortisone
One of the main treatments for sudden deafness is corticosteroid medication, which can be given orally or through injection. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, the chances of recovery are much higher.
Injections into the ear
In addition to oral medications, doctors may use injectable corticosteroids. In this method, the medicine is injected into the middle ear using long spinal needles, similar to those used in spinal anesthesia. This allows the medication to reach the affected area more directly.
MRI scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to examine the auditory nerve pathways. If treatment begins within the first two to three weeks, there is a good chance of seeing improvement during this period.
Ear MRI Scan
Cochlear implant
If none of the other treatments work and the patient does not respond to medication or injections, a cochlear implant may be used. This is usually the last option and is considered when hearing loss becomes permanent.
Is sudden deafness in one ear dangerous?
Yes, sudden deafness in one ear can be serious and should not be ignored. Even though it affects only one ear, it can make it hard to understand speech, especially in noisy places, and may affect balance and daily life. It can also be a sign of a deeper problem, such as an infection, nerve damage, or a blood flow issue.
If it is not treated quickly, the hearing loss might become permanent. That is why it is very important to see a doctor right away if you suddenly lose hearing in one ear.
Is sudden hearing loss reversible?
Sudden hearing loss can sometimes be reversed, especially if it is treated early. Many people who get help within the first few days or weeks recover all or part of their hearing.
Sudden Hearing Loss
Doctors often use a corticosteroid medicine to reduce swelling and improve hearing. However, if treatment is delayed for too long, the chances of full recovery become lower. That is why it is important to see a doctor as soon as any hearing problem appears.
Final Word
Sudden deafness is a medical emergency in which a person gradually or suddenly loses their hearing over a period of two or three days. This problem can have a serious impact on daily life and overall well-being. Although the exact cause is often unknown, living a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing this condition. Some of the common signs of sudden hearing loss include hearing a constant ringing or whistling in the ear, dizziness, difficulty hearing in noisy places, and unclear or muffled speech from others.
The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis and quick action. If more than one month passes without proper treatment, the chances of recovery decrease significantly. Because of the serious effects of sudden deafness, it is important to visit an otolaryngologist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the outcome is likely to be.
