Sudden deafness, or SSHL, is a sudden hearing loss in one ear that can occur over a period of three days. It can be caused by various factors and diagnosed through a hearing test. Treatment depends on the cause, but steroids are often given. Recovery can be spontaneous or gradual, but it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Sudden deafness, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), occurs when an individual experiences sudden hearing loss in one ear. This deafness can occur suddenly or over a period of about three days. Some individuals may not even realize they have hearing loss until they try to use the affected ear. SSHL is diagnosed through a simple hearing test and can be caused by many factors. While this deafness is usually temporary, it is important for anyone experiencing sudden hearing loss to see a doctor right away so that treatment can be given.
Sudden deafness is diagnosed by a doctor through the administration of a typical hearing test. Hearing is measured in decibels and frequencies. If someone with sudden hearing loss is determined to have had a hearing loss of 30 decibels or more in at least three connection frequency points, the diagnosis of SSHL is made by the treating physician. A hearing loss of 30 decibels is equivalent to half the normal hearing level.
SSHL occurs most frequently in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60, although the reason for this is not apparent. This deafness can strike for a variety of possible reasons, including trauma, abnormal tissue growth, circulatory problems, or immunological disease. The possible causes of sudden deafness are numerous and the exact reason can only be determined in about 15% of these cases.
Although many individuals with sudden deafness notice hearing loss upon waking in the morning, others may experience a sudden outburst right before the hearing loss. Still others may never recognize hearing loss until they try to use the affected ear. For example, deafness may not be noticed until the individual tries to use the telephone or when someone speaks into the deafened ear. Dizziness and a ringing in the ears, referred to as tinnitus, are often experienced by those with sudden deafness. Some sufferers might experience both conditions and others might be subject to only one or the other.
This form of hearing loss is often temporary. Patients who have SSHL might experience a complete recovery without any medical treatment. This recovery could happen gradually over a couple of weeks, or it could be spontaneous like when hearing loss occurred. Regardless of this fact, anyone experiencing sudden hearing loss should see a doctor right away.
Treatments for SSHL vary depending on the specific situation. If the cause of the hearing loss can be determined, treatment might include antibiotics or a reduction in current medications that could be causing the sudden deafness. In most cases, when a specific cause cannot be determined, steroids are given as a treatment. Although most people with sudden deafness recover completely, a small percentage may experience gradual hearing loss after their initial recovery.
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