How Does Sudden Hearing Loss Happen

How does sudden hearing loss happen? We know hearing loss can be frustrating, painful, and can lead to other health problems. Hearing loss can be extremely frustrating for many individuals, as it makes it challenging to engage with the world about them. In most cases, hearing loss occurs gradually over time — often becoming more apparent as we age.

However, there are instances where you may experience sudden hearing loss. When this happens, it can be frightening if you don’t know why you are suddenly unable to hear out of one or both of your ears.

• Are you experiencing sudden hearing loss?
• Did you wake up unable to hear out of your ear or ears?
• Did you notice a loud “pop” just before your hearing disappeared?

If so, you probably have a lot of questions related to sudden hearing loss. Lucky for you, we have answers. Follow along as El Dorado Hearing explains sudden hearing loss, why it happens, and how to treat it properly.

How Does Sudden Hearing Loss Happen?

Sudden hearing loss is when an individual experiences hearing loss with no warning or apparent reason. Typically only one ear is affected. The onset of hearing loss typically occurs in 24 hours or less and happens because there is something wrong with the sensory organs of the inner ear.

Sudden hearing loss is more common than many people realize, and in most situations, it isn’t something to be worried about. Most cases are viral and can easily be treated with the help of a physician, allowing the patient to have a full recovery.

However, if sudden hearing loss is misdiagnosed or untreated, the individual may experience permanent hearing loss.

Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss

Unlike traditional hearing loss brought on by age or exposure to loud noises, sudden hearing loss often occurs with no warning.

Potential causes of sudden hearing loss are:

• Viral infection
• Stroke
• Loss of blood flow to the inner ear
• A ruptured membrane in the inner ear

With these possible causes, sudden hearing loss may also indicate that the individual has an underlying medical condition, such as Meniere’s disease, autoimmune inner ear disease, or a tumor of the hearing nerve.

Hearing Loss Treatments

If your hearing specialist determines that you are experiencing sudden hearing loss, they will usually recommend that you take a steroid orally over one to two weeks. The steroids will clear up the issue and restore your hearing in most cases.

There may be times that the original steroid dose does not correct your sudden hearing loss. If this occurs, you may need an additional dose of steroids injected directly into your ear.

The sooner you seek treatment for sudden hearing loss, the higher your chance of recovery. While not all individuals regain their hearing after sudden hearing loss, an audiologist will be able to talk you through your options.

Schedule a Hearing Test With El Dorado Hearing

If you suspect you’re experiencing sudden hearing loss, it’s recommended that you schedule an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible. This will allow them to provide you with the best treatment plan to prevent permanent hearing loss.

Schedule an appointment with El Dorado Hearing to get your hearing tested if you suddenly can’t hear out of one or both of your ears.

If the evaluation concludes you’re experiencing sudden hearing loss, our team of skilled audiologists can provide you with the necessary treatment to improve or restore your hearing.

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, the skilled audiologists at El Dorado Hearing can perform a diagnostic evaluation and recommend treatment. Contact our experienced team to schedule your hearing evaluation.