Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

What is sudden deafness?

Sudden hearing loss is when circulation in the inner ear is reduced causing hearing loss. It can be scary and so it's important to visit us for a hearing test to assess the level of loss.

It is not conclusively known the cause of Sudden hearing loss however it is believed that loud environments or work places could be the cause. If you believe you have sudden hearing loss you should take advantage of our complimentary hearing test. Our hearing care professionals will be able to assess the level of loss you are experiencing and look at potential causes of the loss.

When your sudden hearing loss happens in one ear, it immediately eliminates other possible causes. It is also characterized as hearing loss in one ear with no pain. Unfortunately, because it is a painless condition and thought to be caused by earwax or a something minor, patients often leave it undiagnosed. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, they may risk losing their hearing permanently. Truly, it is an emergency situation and luckily enough, sudden hearing loss patients that undergo treatment immediately have a good chance of recovery. 

Causes of a sudden hearing loss

Some injuries can cause sudden hearing loss. If you notice you have hearing loss following an injury contact your GP or Amplifon clinic.

Although there are upwards of a hundred things that can cause sudden hearing loss, injuries that involve head trauma are the most common reasons people get checked. Other non-biological causes include prolonged and constant exposure to loud noises. Snake bites, blood circulation issues, and tissue growth, on the other hand may also be attributed for the sudden deafness along with certain diseases and infections. 

Perforated eardrums causes

There are three main causes of perforated eardrums:

  • Infection
  • pressure changes
  • injury or trauma

Perforated eardrums symptoms

Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include:

  • Pain in the ear area
  • Liquid excretions from the ear such as blood or pus
  • Temporary deafness
  • Tinnitus or a constant ringing in your ear 
  • Dizziness  

If you have experienced any of the following prior to having sudden hearing loss, please request an appointment with your doctor today:

  •  An ear infection due to the swelling of Eustachian tubes (may be caused by allergies, colds, smoking)
  • Scuba diving, riding on an airplane, driving at high altitudes
  • Falling and or getting hit on or near the ear

How to prevent eardrum rupture

  • When bathing, plug your ears gently with cotton to prevent water from seeping in
  • Stay away from submerging your ears when swimming
  • Avoid flying by plane when you have swollen Eustachian tubes
  • Stabilize ear pressure by using earplugs or chewing on gum when flying 
  • Shower daily to keep earwax levels normal and avoid cleaning your ears with foreign objects
  • Protect your ears around loud noises (concerts or heavy machinery) 

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