Do you wake up in the morning and you can no longer hear? Or, do you get a headache so bad that you turn to aspirin, but you were wearing headphones, and you didn’t hear the warnings at the beginning of the show?
These are different kinds of deafness that you don’t think about until you are dealing with it. Sudden deafness is something you want to keep an eye out for.
Don’t know where to begin? We got your back. Keep reading to learn what to look for and what you can do about it.
Causes
It’s caused by many underlying medical conditions, infections, and environmental factors. Viral or bacterial infections that affect the inner ear’s cochlea and nerves commonly cause sudden deafness.
Some viruses can cause inflammation or swelling, which can reduce or block sound waves from entering the cochlea. Meniere’s disease, a disorder of an unknown cause that affects the inner ear, can also cause sudden deafness.
Ototoxic medications can damage the auditory nerve and may cause sudden hearing loss. Trauma or injury to the head or ear can sometimes lead to sudden deafness.
Excessive exposure to loud noises can cause nerve damage and lead to sudden hearing loss. Serious illnesses such as a stroke or a tumor can interfere with the functioning of the auditory nerve, leading to sudden deafness.
Signs and Symptoms
This occurs without warning signs and can happen after noise exposure or infection. Common signs and symptoms of sudden deafness include difficulty hearing other people’s voices and decreased ability to hear loud sounds.
It also includes muffled sounds, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or sensations of fullness in the ears. Other symptoms may include dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty understanding speech, even when the volume is average.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition requires a combination of clinical and medical expertise. Specialists may use an audiogram to measure the patient’s hearing during diagnosis.
An MRI of the inner ear and brain may also be necessary to check for any physical changes. Experts may also use electronystagmography (ENG) to measure involuntary eye movement to help diagnose balance issues.
Treatment
Antiviral drugs may be prescribed if the cause is a viral infection. Medication can reduce fluid accumulation in the cochlea if the reason is an underlying medical condition, such as Meniere’s disease.
There is a Beltone Hearing Aid Center that can provide treatments that deliver life-changing results for our clients. They can ensure that our services are tailored to our client’s needs.
Treatment must start to prevent complications if the cause is a medical emergency. Surgery is for cases of prolonged hearing loss.
Hearing aids, attending auricular therapy, and using sign language may be beneficial. It’s vital for people affected by sudden deafness to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
A Guide to Know More About Sudden Deafness
Sudden deafness is a treatable and manageable condition. With the proper guidance, there is hope and potential for full hearing recovery.
Reading this guide can determine the best treatment plan and give the patient the best chance for a successful recovery. So, don’t let this stop you from enjoying the sounds of life; take control and take action.
Do you want to find more helpful info? Check out more of our guides on our blog today!
