Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss is a condition of unilateral or bilateral hearing loss that occurs suddenly.

Why does sudden hearing loss occur?

Viruses are shown to be the most important cause of sudden hearing loss. In particular, the herpes simplex virus, also known as the herpes virus, causes damage to the hearing cells in the inner ear through infection.

How does Sudden Hearing Loss occur?

Sudden hearing loss may sometimes occur as unilateral or bilateral hearing loss, which is noticed by the patient, or the hearing loss may not be noticed at the beginning. Most of the time, patients are disturbed by a new ringing or buzzing sound and do not realize their hearing loss. Sometimes there is a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear.

What to do for Sudden Hearing Loss?

In cases of new-onset ear congestion, hearing loss, buzzing or ringing, an ear-nose-throat specialist should be consulted without delay. The most important point in the treatment of sudden hearing loss is to make an early diagnosis and start treatment early. The likelihood of hearing loss returning increases with early treatment.

How to make a definitive diagnosis for Sudden Hearing Loss?

The definitive diagnosis of sudden hearing loss is made by performing a hearing test (audiological examination). Additionally, audiological tests are used to monitor treatment response and recovery.

How is sudden hearing loss treated?

The treatment for sudden hearing loss is medication. The most effective medicine is corticosteroids, popularly known as cortisone. Corticosteroids are applied in low doses and for short periods of time in sudden hearing loss and do not cause significant harm to the body. Additionally, if sudden hearing loss is detected in the first three days, antiviral drugs that are effective against viruses are added to the treatment. However, they are not given after the first three days because they are not effective. If sufficient improvement is not observed in audiological test follow-ups after drug treatment is started, treatment options such as corticosteroid injection through the eardrum into the middle ear or hyperbaric oxygen therapy are also evaluated. In order for drug treatment to be effective, it is important to diagnose the disease and start treatment as soon as possible.

Sudden hearing loss can also be seen in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Since corticosteroids increase blood sugar and blood pressure levels in patients with these diseases, it is necessary to receive controlled inpatient treatment. Drug treatment is not applied as treatment will not be beneficial after one month has passed since the development of sudden hearing loss.