By Julie Teefey, Au.D., CCC-A, F/AAA
What is sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is a loss of hearing due to an issue with the sensory organ of the inner ear called the cochlea. It is a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing that happens either instantly or over a few days. Some people will notice this loss of hearing when they wake up. Others will notice this hearing loss when they go to use that ear specifically, such as for a phone call. Yet, other people will hear a loud “pop” and then notice the loss of hearing. Sudden hearing loss typically affects only one ear. A sudden hearing loss can be accompanied by any of the following symptoms: ear fullness, dizziness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
How is sudden hearing loss diagnosed?
A comprehensive audiological evaluation with an audiologist is needed to diagnose a sudden hearing loss. The audiologist will examine your ears to ensure there is not any obstruction in the ear canal (such as wax) that would affect your hearing. The audiologist will perform tests to assess the health of your eardrum and middle ear to see if that part of the pathway is working correctly. Then the audiologist will assess your hearing with tones of various frequencies and speech to determine the extent of the hearing loss. Some people with a sudden hearing loss will experience a complete loss of hearing while others will experience a partial loss of hearing. Any sudden change noticed in hearing should be immediately assessed.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
A variety of disorders can affect the hearing of the inner ear. Unfortunately, only about 10% of sudden hearing loss cases have an identifiable cause.
Some of the disorders affecting the inner ear include:
Infections
Head trauma
Autoimmune disorders
Exposure to certain drugs that treat cancer or severe infections
Blood circulation problems
Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
Disorders of the inner ear, such as Meniere’s Disease
Is sudden hearing loss common?
Experts estimate that between one and six people per every 5,000 people are affected by sudden hearing loss every year. However, experts add that the incidence of sudden hearing loss could actually be much higher because it often goes undiagnosed. Sudden hearing loss can happen at any age, but it most often occurs in people in their late 40s to early 50s.
What should I do if I suspect a sudden hearing loss?
If you suspect a sudden hearing loss, please immediately schedule an appointment with an audiologist and ENT physician. The sooner sudden hearing loss is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome for possible improvement in hearing. Treatment that is delayed for more than two to four weeks is less likely to reverse or reduce permanent hearing loss.
What are the treatments for sudden hearing loss?
The most common treatment for sudden hearing loss is corticosteroids. Steroids can be administered either orally or directly injected through the tympanic membrane (eardrum) into the middle ear. The ENT physician will determine which method is most appropriate for you. Steroids work by reducing inflammation, decreasing swelling, and helping the body fight illness. Following and throughout treatment, further audiological evaluations will be needed to assess the improvement of hearing. According to the Harvard Medical Center, in most cases, sudden hearing loss that is mild may recover, but people with moderate or severe hearing loss make a total recovery only in about 20% of cases. Even a partial improvement in hearing is worthwhile. Hearing aids could be a treatment option if some hearing returns but not all the way back to totally normal hearing. If there is limited benefit with a hearing aid for the hearing loss, cochlear implants may be an option to optimize hearing abilities.
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