Types & Effects of Deafness
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[Edit]1 What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Not all hearing loss is gradual and hard to detect over time, as in the case of age-induced hearing loss. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, loss of hearing can be fast, dramatic and immediately apparent. It is a symptom that something is wrong and needs to be treated immediately.
About 4,000 new cases of sudden hearing loss occur in the United States annually, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. It typically occurs in one ear, and symptoms include ringing in the ear and dizziness.
The condition resolves itself in some cases, but in 15 percent of cases, it gets worse over time, according to the institute.
[Edit]2 Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss
A sudden loss of hearing can be attributed to many factors, and not all of them result in permanent loss.
- Sudden Pressure Changes - either during high air travel or deep sea fishing/scuba diving.
- Infection - An infection in the ear or to the upper respiratory system.
- Allergic Reaction - to drugs such as antibiotics or birth control pills
- Acoustic Trauma - sudden or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels
- Illness - such as a tumor, Scarlet Fever or Ménière's disease
[Edit]3 What Should I Do If I Experience Sudden Hearing Loss?
Whatever the reason, anyone who experiences a dramatic decrease in their hearing should seek out a Ear, Nose & Throat doctor (called an Otolaryngologist) as quickly as they can. It should not be treated lightly but instead handled as a medical emergency. The earlier a hearing related illness or condition is treated, the better the chances are that treatment will cure the problem, or at least alleviate most of the harm resulting from it.
[Edit]4 How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated?
Treatments for sudden hearing loss depend on what the tests reveal as the likely cause of the problem.
If it is deemed that lack of oxygen circulation is playing a role in the hearing loss, Carbogen Therapy may be prescribed. This is a procedure that increases the level of oxygen being circulated in and out of the inner ear region.
If fluid buildup or infection is suspected to be the chief cause of the hearing loss, then a regimen of antibiotics and medicines may be taken.
The patient may also be counseled to cease smoking and engaging in activity such as air travel or scuba diving.
Some forms of steroids have also proven beneficial in treating Sudden Hearing Loss because they can reduce swelling and help the body's immune system.
