Sudden Hearing Loss - The causes, risks, symptoms and treatments of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL)

Sudden Hearing Loss (SSHL)

The causes, risks, symptoms and treatments

Sudden hearing loss overview

Sudden hearing loss is an abrupt decrease in hearing, often occurring within a few days. Causes may include viral infections, vascular issues, or inner ear disorders. Symptoms can include hearing loss in one or both ears, tinnitus, or dizziness. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for potential treatment with steroids or other interventions.

In this article, we discuss the causes, risks, symptoms, and treatments available.

Causes of sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss is a serious and potentially debilitating condition that can occur without warning. It is defined as a hearing loss of at least 30 decibels in three or fewer days, usually affecting one ear.

What is the most common cause of sudden hearing loss?   Sudden hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, inflammation, trauma and exposure to loud noise.

Because of this, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss, as prompt treatment can improve outcomes and how successful the treatment will be.

Symptoms of sudden hearing loss can include a decrease in hearing in one ear, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and dizziness or vertigo. The onset of symptoms can be sudden and may occur during everyday activities, such as listening to music or watching television.

Other things that can cause sudden hearing loss can be:

Infection: An ear infection can cause inflammation and swelling in the ear, leading to sudden hearing loss. For example, bacterial and viral infections can both cause sudden hearing loss.  Prompt treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medication may be necessary to prevent further damage.

Trauma: Trauma to the head or ear can cause sudden hearing loss. This can be caused by a blow to the head, a fall, or exposure to a loud noise. In some cases, trauma can cause damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for detecting sound waves.

Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause sudden hearing loss. These disorders can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the ear - leading to hearing loss.

Ototoxic medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can be ototoxic - meaning they can cause damage to the inner ear and lead to sudden hearing loss.

Meniere's disease: Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause sudden episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in the fluid pressure within the inner ear.

Tumors: Tumors in the ear or near the auditory nerve can cause sudden hearing loss. These tumors can be benign or malignant and prompt medical attention is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: In some cases, the cause of sudden hearing loss is unknown and it is classified as idiopathic. It is thought that idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be related to a viral infection, blood vessel problems, or immune system disorders.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Diagnosing this type of hearing loss

Diagnosing sudden hearing loss

Diagnosis of sudden hearing loss typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and hearing tests. Your healthcare provider may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to look for any abnormalities in the ear or auditory nerve.

Sudden hearing loss treatments

Treatment options for sudden hearing loss may include medication, such as steroids, to reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, may also be used to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the ear. 

In most cases, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended to improve and support your hearing health.

Other treatments for sudden hearing loss can be:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: This involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which can help improve blood flow to the inner ear and promote healing.

Hearing aids: If SSHL results in permanent hearing loss, hearing aids are highly recommended to help improve hearing.

Cochlear implants: In some cases, cochlear implants may be recommended for people with severe or profound hearing loss.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This involves exercises and other therapies to help improve balance and reduce dizziness or vertigo associated with SSHL.

How can you prevent sudden hearing loss?

In addition to medical treatment, there are several things you can do at home to help manage sudden hearing loss:

Protecting your ears: Avoiding exposure to loud noises is key to preventing SSHL. This means wearing earplugs or other protective gear when in loud environments, such as concerts, sporting events, or when operating power tools or machinery.

You should also limit the amount of time you spend listening to music or other loud sounds through headphones or earbuds and turn down the volume to a safe level.

Managing underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes can increase the risk of SSHL. If you have these conditions, it is important to manage them effectively through lifestyle changes, medication, or other treatments. This can help reduce the risk of SSHL and other related health complications.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of SSHL and other health conditions. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking.

Avoiding ototoxic medications: Certain medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect, particularly if taken in high doses or over a prolonged period. If you are taking medications that have the potential to damage your hearing, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments or ways to minimise the risk of hearing loss.

Monitoring your hearing: Regular hearing tests can help identify hearing loss early before it becomes more severe or permanent. If you notice any changes in your hearing, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing in the ears, or muffled hearing - see an audiologist or other hearing specialist right away.

In conclusion

So, is sudden hearing loss an emergency?  Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. While the exact cause of SSHL is often unknown, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of SSHL or prevent its recurrence.

Protecting your ears from loud noises, managing underlying health conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding ototoxic medications, and monitoring your hearing regularly can all help reduce the risk of SSHL and promote good hearing health.

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