Sudden Loss Of Hearing
I think I lost my hearing..
Sudden hearing loss occurs as an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing. It is also referred to as a Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). Usually it takes place in one ear (unilaterally) either at once or over several days. It should be considered an emergency and be seen by an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician right away. If an individual puts off seeing a physician because they think the hearing will come back on its own or think its an infection and/or allergy related, it will decrease any potential effectiveness of treatment.
Seeing your ENT specialist will help you get to an Audiologist, who will evaluate your hearing to determine how severe your hearing loss is.
Most folks notice their hearing loss when they wake up in the morning or when an individual is comparing how well they hear with each ear, ie listening on the phone.
Some other symptoms experienced with the sudden hearing loss would be dizziness, a sudden “pop” sound just before the hearing goes and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
Can my hearing be recovered?
About half of people with SSHL will recover some or all their hearing if seen by a physician within 48 hours and adequate treatment has commenced. Some even within the one to two week time frame.
Experts estimate that SSHL strikes one person per 5,000 every year, typically adults in their 40s and 50s. The actual number of new cases of SSHL each year could be much higher because the condition often goes undiagnosed. Contact us to get your hearing evaluated.
Reference: https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/hearing-loss-basics/sudden-deafness/
