Sudden hearing loss refers to a loss of hearing that happens for no warning and for no apparent reason within a period of 24 hours or less. Approximately half of people who develop sudden hearing loss regain some or all of their hearing spontaneously within a week or two; however, delaying treatment leads to a lower chance of hearing again.
Below we review how common sudden hearing loss is, what causes it and how it’s treated.
How Common Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
It is estimated that sudden hearing loss affects between one and six in every 5,000 people each year, but it’s likely that this estimate is low due to many people going undiagnosed because they don’t seek treatment.
Sudden hearing loss most often affects adults in their late 40s and early 50s.
What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss is caused by a problem with the cochlea or the auditory nerve, both located in the inner ear, rather than issues with the outer or middle ear. Causes include:
- Viral infection.
- Stroke.
- Head trauma.
- Ototoxic drugs.
- Loss of blood flow to the inner ear (ischemia).
- Ruptured membrane in the inner ear.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Neurological disorders.
- Meniere’s disease.
Viral infections are thought to be the most common cause of sudden hearing loss.
How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated?
Oral steroids like cortisone are generally the most beneficial treatment for sudden hearing loss, though they are mostly effective for viral hearing loss.
Other treatment options depend on what the cause is. Options include:
- Antioxidants can help prevent healing of the inner ear.
- Antivirals are sometimes used but their efficacy is unclear in some trials.
- Blood thinners can help in cases of stroke or ischemia.
- Bedrest is the preferred treatment for inner ear membrane rupture, though surgery may be necessary in some circumstances.
- Diuretics and low-sodium diets can help when the cause is Meniere’s disease.
Whatever treatment option your doctor recommends, the sooner you get help, the better your chance of recovery. If you want to be able to enjoy movies at Cine and shows at The Georgia Theatre after a sudden loss of hearing, call the experts at ENT of Athens right away.