Your hearing can be muffled by something as simple as earwax, a cold, allergies, or fluid in the ear. But, if hearing loss occurs suddenly in one ear, it may be sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and requires immediate attention. SSNHL might occur suddenly or slowly over several days. This isn’t something to wait out, the NIDCD treats it as a medical emergency, so seek care right away.
How Sudden Hearing Loss May Feel
SSNHL doesn’t always mean total hearing loss. You might hear things more quietly, find it harder to hear what people are saying, or notice an instant difference between the two ears. For others, the first sign comes on waking up or when they put the phone to one ear and realise they can’t hear the caller.
These other symptoms may occur:
These symptoms are not conclusive signs of SSNHL. Other ear troubles, like a blockage, can also cause hearing loss.
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Why Can It Happen?
Some causes include infections, head injuries, autoimmune diseases, blood circulation issues, neurological diseases, certain medications, and inner ear diseases such as Ménière’s disease. However, in most cases they can’t be traced back to a specific source. Almost 10% of those diagnosed with sudden deafness have detectable causes, according to the NIDCD.
If nothing obvious explains it, it’s easy to shrug it off. Delaying evaluation and treatment can reduce their effectiveness.
Why Timing Matters
The earlier the suddenly acquired hearing loss is assessed, the better. When a diagnosis and/or treatment is warranted, the NIDCD reports that delays can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Around 50% of those with SSNHL get some or all of their hearing back within a week or two. Still, it is not possible to identify those who will recover spontaneously.
It’s important not to wait several days for a sudden change.
How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated?
A doctor first needs to determine whether the hearing loss is conductive (earwax, fluid) or sensorineural (inner ear or nerve). A hearing test may help establish the type.
If treatment is delayed, the chances of recovery decrease. Corticosteroids should be used as soon as possible, according to the NIDCD. According to the AAO-HNS guideline, corticosteroids are usually used at the start of treatment, almost one to two weeks after symptom onset.
Steroids can be given orally or into the eardrum. The choice between these approaches should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional and depends on the individual.
What If You Cannot See an ENT?
If your hearing loss suddenly occurs and you cannot obtain prompt medical attention, then don’t wait for that regular appointment. Get an appointment with an ENT specialist as soon as possible. If no immediate outpatient care is available, an emergency department can evaluate the person initially.
SSNHL is not something that can or should be treated at home. Do not use ear drops when suffering from SSNHL; they might delay the required evaluation.
Get Sudden Hearing Changes Checked
Do get medical assistance immediately if one ear suddenly becomes hard to hear, even if you suspect it may be earwax, an allergy, or congestion. An ENT specialist can examine your ear, identify the causes, and arrange tests if required.
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At Big Laps, we recommend that our readers not take changes in hearing lightly. If an evaluation is done in time, it can determine why and if there is a need for time-sensitive treatment.
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