Sudden Hearing Loss Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

Sudden hearing loss isn't really immediate. It occurs over a period of a few hours and you just don't notice it until it becomes severe. Some people afflicted with suddenly losing their hearing state for instance, that they went to bed with perfectly normal hearing only to wake up to find their hearing greatly diminished.

Types Of Hearing Loss:

• Conductive


• Sensorineural


• Mixed

Central hearing loss: Is a rare condition having to do with a problem in the brain, usually a brain tumor. People with this type of loss have problems interpreting speech, even though hearing may be normal.

Functional hearing loss: Is not easily recognized and is a result of psychological or emotional problems.

Sensorineural is the most prevalent, while central is quite rare usually caused by a brain tumor.

What causes a sudden loss of hearing?

• Long term use of ototoxic medications


• Leakage of perilymphatic fluid due to physical exertion


• Head trauma


• Viral infection of the inner or middle ear


• Disease of the endocrine system


• Sudden loud noises

Symptoms:

1. Ear pain


2. Tinnitus


3. Vertigo

Treatment:

Depending on the cause, the treatment can be varied. This is why diagnosis must be made first before treatment can begin, and the appropriate elimination procedure can be administered.

If loss is due to an obstruction or blockage, removing this will usually restore hearing. In the case of infection, antibiotics or ear drops will be prescribed. Some cases of hearing loss can be attributed to a punctured tympanic membrane. These usually heal by themselves in 2-3 weeks. If perforation is due to infection, the correct antibiotic will be prescribed by your physician. Follow up with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor may be necessary as well.

Ototoxicity is treated by discontinuing the medication and possibly prescribing a different one will help. Should it be found that a tumor, such as an acoustic neuroma, is the cause, surgery performed by a neurosurgeon or ENT physician is the course of treatment. Medication can be prescribed for problems related to tinnitus and vertigo (dizziness).

If permanent hearing loss is the diagnosis there are treatments than can help to improve this as well. These treatments include:

• Reconstruction of the middle ear


• Hearing aids

Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a device under the skin behind the ear. After healing has taken place the patient will wear an external behind the ear device that send signals to the implanted piece, which then stimulates the auditory nerve.

You can rise above the problems associated with hearing loss by getting an early diagnosis and treatment. Have your hearing checked regularly so that early signs can be addressed and properly treated. If you or someone you know are having signs and symptoms of hearing loss, make an appointment with your health care professional as soon as possible.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT