IMPORTANT!

Sudden onset hearing loss is considered a MEDICAL EMERGENCY because once the cells of hearing in the Cochlea (hearing organ) have died, the loss is irreversible. If you think that you may be experiencing a sudden hearing loss, you should visit a doctor immediately.

Definition

SSHL, or more commonly known as “sudden deafness”, occurs as an:

  • Unexplained,
  • Rapid loss of hearing,
  • Usually in one ear,
  • Either at once or over several days.

Sometimes, people with SSHL put off seeing a doctor because they think their hearing loss is due to allergies, a sinus infection or earwax building up in the ear canal. However, delaying SHHL diagnosis and treatment may decrease the effectiveness of treatment.

Cause

SSNHL differs from other types of hearing loss in two important ways:

  1. It has a rapid onset,
  2. It is often idiopathic, meaning the cause is usually unknown. A cause can be identified in only 10 to 15 percent of diagnosed cases.
  • Bacterial- or Viral Infections
  • Injuries to the head
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Some drugs can cause hearing loss as a side effect, known as ototoxic medications, especially if taken in high doses
  • Blood circulation problems like Vasculitis
  • Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
  • Disorders of the inner ear, such as Ménière’s disease
  • Very rarely, due to a tumour (Acoustic Neuroma)

Symptoms

Many people notice that they have SSHL when they wake up in the morning. Others first notice it when they struggle hearing on the phone or through their headphones. Some patients notice a loud, “pop” just before their hearing disappears. People with sudden deafness often become dizzy, and/or have ringing in their ears (tinnitus).

Diagnosis

If you suspect you might have a SSHL, the first step is to make an appointment with an Audiologist. A hearing test can determine the range of hearing loss in decibels. SSHL will be diagnosed in the case of a hearing loss of at least 30 decibels in at least three connected frequencies. After diagnosis, your Audiologist will refer you to your doctor for treatment.

Treatment

Drugs to improve the circulation of blood through the inner ear (thus bringing more oxygen) and corticosteroids (Prednisone) to reduce any inflammatory reaction are often combined and can be helpful.

Steroids are usually prescribed in pill form. In recent years, direct injection of steroids behind the eardrum into the middle ear (from here the steroids travel into the inner ear), called intratympanic corticosteroid therapy, has grown in popularity. Evidence suggests these treatments are most likely to be effective if started within a day or two of the onset of the hearing loss.

You will generally be asked to return for a repeat hearing test once you have completed your course of medication. Referral to an Ear- Nose- and Throat Specialist may be warranted for further investigation and possible management.

Full recovery is less likely:

  • In older patients,
  • If the loss is severe, or
  • If too much time has been lost before the diagnosis was made.