Imagine waking up one morning and realising the world sounds muffled, distant, or eerily silent in one ear. This disconcerting experience is what many people with sudden hearing loss endure. The question is, how serious is it? Is sudden hearing loss a medical emergency?
Today, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and urgency of sudden hearing loss, why acting fast is critical, and the treatment options to protect your hearing.
What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss, often referred to as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), involves a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing, typically occurring in one ear. It can happen all at once or over a few days, and often feels like your ear is “plugged.”
What distinguishes this condition is its rapid onset, which makes it utterly disorienting for those who experience it.
SSHL is not as rare as you might think. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), around 1 to 6 individuals per 5,000 experience sudden hearing loss every year.
Symptoms of Sudden Hearing Loss
The symptoms of SSHL can vary, but here are some common indicators to look out for:
- A sudden decrease in hearing in one ear, noticeable over hours or up to three days.
- The sensation of fullness in the affected ear, reminiscent of pressure changes during a flight.
- Experiencing tinnitus, or ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the ear.
- Potential balance issues like dizziness or vertigo, although these don’t occur in all cases.
It’s worth noting that SSHL is not the same as hearing loss caused by earwax blockages, middle ear infections, or other surface-level issues. These conditions typically affect the outer or middle ear, while SSHL impacts the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Why Is It a Medical Emergency?
The critical takeaway is this: Sudden hearing loss should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Why? Because acting quickly can significantly impact your chances of recovery. Here’s why urgency matters:
1) Time-Sensitive Treatment Window
SSHL is typically caused by inflammation within the inner ear or auditory nerve. This could result from viral infections, autoimmune conditions, or vascular issues.
Administering treatment promptly, often through corticosteroids, can reduce damage and improve recovery rates. Timing is everything; delays can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness.
2) Potential for Permanent Hearing Loss
Without swift intervention, SSHL may lead to irreversible hearing damage.
Studies show that 85% of untreated cases result in partial or complete permanent hearing loss. Early diagnosis offers the best chance at minimising long-term impacts.
3) Underlying Health Conditions
SSHL can indicate an underlying condition or neurological emergency, such as a tumour (acoustic neuroma), stroke, or multiple sclerosis.
Dismissing sudden hearing loss as non-serious could delay identifying and addressing potentially life-threatening conditions.
What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?
The exact cause of SSHL is often difficult to determine, but here are some common culprits:
1) Viral or Bacterial Infections
Viruses such as mumps, measles, or herpes can attack the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Untreated ear infections or sinus infections may also lead to hearing complications.
2) Circulatory Disorders
Issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or insufficient blood supply to the inner ear can disrupt normal auditory function.
3) Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions including autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) may trigger sudden hearing distortion. Your body mistakenly attacks its inner ear cells, leading to inflammation and hearing loss.
4) Ototoxic Drugs
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or high doses of aspirin, can cause damage to the auditory system, resulting in unexpected hearing loss.
5) Physical Trauma
Head injuries that directly impact the ear or adjacent areas of the skull can damage the structures responsible for hearing.
6) Acoustic Neuroma
This rare, benign tumour develops on the auditory nerve and can lead to SSHL as it grows and exerts pressure.
What to Do If You Experience Sudden Hearing Loss
The moment you notice symptoms of sudden hearing loss, follow these steps:
a) Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Go directly to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or the emergency department. Delays could lead to permanent damage.
b) Get a Thorough Examination
Doctors may perform a physical exam, audiogram, or MRI scan to determine whether your hearing issues are caused by SSHL or another condition. Tests can also rule out underlying medical emergencies, such as neurological disorders.
c) Start Treatment Immediately
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory medications are typically the first line of treatment. They can be administered orally or directly into the ear via injection.
- Hearing Aids/Assistive Devices: If recovery isn’t immediate, hearing aids or other assistive technology may help improve your quality of life.
d) Follow Up Consistently
Hearing impairment can be distressing, so it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and adhere to follow-up appointments.
Can Sudden Hearing Loss Be Prevented?
While not all cases of SSHL can be avoided, certain lifestyle changes and precautions can help safeguard your hearing:
- Protect your ears from excessive noise by wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments.
- Manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, as these can contribute to circulatory issues that may impact hearing.
- Avoid using ototoxic drugs unless prescribed and closely monitored by a doctor.
- Maintain good ear hygiene to prevent infections and complications.
Takeaway
Sudden hearing loss isn’t something to be brushed off or dealt with “later.” It’s a serious medical condition that requires urgent care. Every moment counts, and acting swiftly could be the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing loss.
If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t hesitate to consult an ENT specialist. Trust your instincts, seek professional advice, and safeguard your ability to connect with the world through sound.
Consult Our Audiologist at Amazing Hearing
At Amazing Hearing, we understand the importance of your hearing and its impact on your daily life. Our team of experienced audiologists in Singapore is committed to providing top-quality care to those experiencing sudden hearing loss.
We offer comprehensive evaluations, state-of-the-art hearing aid technology, and personalised treatment plans to help you regain your hearing. Contact today.
