Introduction

Sudden hearing loss is a hearing loss that occurs suddenly within a few hours or usually is noticed upon waking up in the morning. Typically, sudden hearing loss occurs in one ear, either at once or over several days. The severity may range from mild to profound. Sudden hearing loss is considered as a medical emergency, delaying treatment will reduce the possibility to regain the hearing ability. 

Causes  

While most sudden hearing loss are of unknown reason, some occurs due to apparent events such as wax impaction, head trauma, large ambient pressure change, ototoxic drugs that harm the sensory cells in the inner ear and infections. Sudden hearing loss can also occur due to disorders such as Meniere’s disease and autoimmune diseases. 

Symptoms 

Common symptoms that can occur in sudden hearing loss include dizziness and ringing in the ear. You may also feel pressure in your ear. Some people noticed a loud “pop” sound before they lost their hearing.

What you need to know

If you are experiencing a sudden hearing loss, please don't ignore it! It is a must to seek treatment urgently. Your doctor may run an MRI or blood test to determine an underlying cause of your sudden hearing loss and you also will be referred to an audiologist. The audiologist will examine your ear for any wax impaction and a hearing test will be conducted to know the severity of your hearing loss. 

The most common treatment of sudden hearing loss in the case of an unknown cause is the prescription of corticosteroids, either in pill form or direct injection into the ear. In the case of an underlying cause such as infections, doctor may be able to treat that condition with antibiotics.

There are cases where hearing loss is more severe and does not respond to treatment or the hearing loss occurs in both ears, you may be recommended to wear hearing aids. 

Conclusion

It is very important to address sudden hearing loss and get treated as soon as possible. Early treatment will improve the effectiveness of the treatment and the chances to regain the hearing ability. 

Act Now for Your Hearing!

If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek immediate seek audiologist to diagnose and treat the issue promptly.

Rozita, Clinical Audiologist at 20dB Hearing Klang