Sudden temporary hearing loss can be remedied if diagnosed and treated early. Here, we will break down everything you need to know about temporary or sudden hearing loss from causes to treatment options and most importantly, what you can do to minimize your risk of experiencing it.
Sudden hearing loss, sometimes called ‘sudden deafness,’ happens when you experience an abrupt loss of hearing. It can occur all at once or over the course of several days and is often unilateral affecting only one ear. In fact, 90 percent of those who experience this kind of hearing loss only experience symptoms in one ear [1].
Sudden hearing loss occurs when sound is not able to reach the inner ear from the middle ear (e.g., there’s something blocking the path) or sound does reach the inner ear, but it’s unable to continue on to the brain due to damage to the inner ear or neural pathways.
Sudden hearing loss may occur for many reasons and it can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause. In fact, only 10 to 15 percent of diagnosed cases can be traced back to a specific cause. [2] But some of the most common sources of sudden hearing loss include:
While you may be tempted to wait it out, it’s important to see your doctor right away if you’re experiencing sudden or temporary hearing loss. Early treatment is the best chance at a fast and full recovery. Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she may refer you to an ENT—a doctor who specializes in ears, nose, and throat. Be sure to disclose any medications you’re currently taking, as well as any diagnosed medical conditions you already have.
The doctor may perform certain tests to assess your hearing at different sound volumes, as well as check for any damage to your middle ear and eardrum. He or she may also order blood tests or an MRI to get detailed images of the ear and brain to check for any cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Your doctor may recommend medication, or surgery depending on the cause and severity of the loss. They may also have you stop or switch any of your current medications if one you’re taking is harmful to ears.
Here are three tips to reduce your risk of sudden temporary hearing loss:
[1] https://hearinghealthcenters.net/why-sudden-sensorineural-hearing-loss-is-sometimes-misdiagnosed/
[2] https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52462-Sudden-hearing-loss-getting-to-the-bottom-of-it
