Sudden hearing loss
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What is sudden hearing loss?
Hearing loss is defined as a disorder that causes the loss of auditory capacity in a single ear (in most cases) suddenly and inexplicably.
It is also known as sudden deafness. Otolaryngologists associate this condition with damage to the sensory organs of the ear that significantly hinders and decreases the auditory capacity of a patient.
Sudden hearing loss occurs within a period of fewer than three days, during which the patient discovers a decrease in their perception of sound. In most cases, it affects only one ear equally in men and women.
It is important that people learn to identify the symptoms of this condition and can seek medical attention as soon as possible to help make the treatment more effective.
Symptoms of sudden hearing loss
Some cases of sudden hearing loss do not present noticeable symptoms and occur while the patient is sleeping. Upon waking, the patient discovers their hearing impairment without any other discomfort.
However, other cases are described with the following discomforts:
- Explosive or intense sound before losing hearing.
- Tinnitus, which is sounds inside the ear that have no relation to the external situation. These can be buzzing, ringing, or something electric.
- Dizziness or vertigo, which is the loss of orientation and/or the sensation that the world is spinning.
- Feeling of earplugs, as if they were filled with wax or due to pressure changes in altitude.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
At the moment, no specific cause of sudden hearing loss has been determined. However, some otolaryngologists associate this condition with various health conditions of some patients such as:
- Head trauma.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Antibiotic or cancer treatment medications.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Ménière’s disease.
- Ear infections.
- Neurological disorders.
- Tumors on the auditory nerve.
For otolaryngologists, it is important to evaluate all these health conditions before determining an effective treatment to cure sudden deafness.
Diagnosis of sudden hearing loss.
The diagnosis of this condition is based on a minimum of three steps that are necessary to recognize the condition.
Step 1. Physical examination to rule out.
Losing hearing in one ear is a symptom that can be related to various situations such as physical obstructions, which must be ruled out through a physical examination of the ear where the doctor evidences that there is no external factor that impedes the passage of sound waves to the ear.
Step 2. Measurement of auditory capacity.
The audiometry test is recommended, which focuses on measuring the decibels that the patient is capable of perceiving. In this test, the patient is exposed to a series of frequencies and sound tones that must be perceived.
The data obtained in this test determines whether the hearing loss is neurosensory or not.
Step 3. Determine the cause of the problem.
Depending on the case and the suspicions of the otolaryngologist when diagnosing sudden hearing loss, other tests are recommended that help determine the reason for the condition.
Among the options, we find imaging tests such as magnetic resonance, balance examination, and even blood analysis that can give the doctor an idea of the situation to recommend the best treatment.
Treatments for sudden hearing loss.
Ingestion of corticosteroids:
These medications are used to decrease inflammation of the organs in the body and are also an excellent ally in improving conditions caused by various diseases.
They are an effective option for various cases, although the cause that triggers sudden hearing loss is unknown, they can be recommended to reverse the damage and prevent deafness from becoming permanent.
The dosage and frequency at which this medication should be administered must be prescribed by an otolaryngologist who knows the case of each patient and other characteristics in order to make it efficient and safe.
Other medications.
When the cause of sudden hearing loss is found, it is recommended that the problem be treated from the root through efficient treatments.
For example, when it comes to an infection that triggered the problem, it is common to recommend the use of antibiotics to heal both conditions and prevent recurrence.
Risk factors.
Since a specific cause of this condition is not known, doctors have not been able to determine the risk factor that may increase the chances of experiencing it. However, studies focus on determining the answers to these questions.
Since it can be of great help to discover why this situation occurs and the best prevention strategy.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lech
To help you find the solution to your sudden hearing loss
Testimonials from Dr. Lech
LAURA RUIZ RUIZ
2022-06-21
La verdad mi hija y yo nos sentimos muy bien atendidas por el el dr. Lech, estamos siguiendo el tratamiento lo cual ha estado haciendo un buen efecto en ella y mejorando su calidad de vida. Muy agradecida siempre!!!
Yanixa Baloy
2022-05-19
Excelente Dr. Muy amable y excelente atención..lo recomiendo.
Xiomara Pinillo
2022-05-19
Buen Dia
Esperando todo se encuentren bien.-
Lo que puedo comentarle es q el Dr. Lech es una excelente persona, no solo como medico sino como un ser humano, es muy especial en la atencion a sus paciente.-
Soy fiel testigo de eso porque lo he vivido y he escuchado de otras persona y colegas.
Bendiciones a tod@s.-
Michel Guerrero
2022-04-25
Excelente su atención, muy empático y atento, muchas gracias, lo recomiendo.
