Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, commonly known as an ear stroke, is a condition where a person experiences a sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears. This condition demands immediate attention to prevent the possibility of permanent or temporary hearing loss. Here’s what you should know if you or a loved one experiences sudden hearing loss.
Understanding Ear Stroke
An ear stroke is a rapid, unexpected loss of hearing, typically occurring over the course of a 72-hour timeframe. Most individuals become aware of the issue upon waking or attempting to use the affected ear. Although the exact cause of an ear may not be understood, it’s often associated with disruptions in blood flow to the inner ear, physical trauma or viral infections. In fact, only about 10% of cases can be linked to a specific cause, and many instances of SSHL go undiagnosed.
To stay healthy, the inner ear hair cells that transmit sound to the brain require a steady flow of oxygen, and any interruption can lead to hearing loss. Therefore, any conditions that compromise blood flow to the inner ear could result in ear stroke. Autoimmune disorders, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, may also contribute to ear stroke. Other factors include ototoxic drugs, which are medications that can harm the ear, and medical conditions like Ménière’s disease.
Identifying the Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of an ear stroke is a sudden, noticeable loss of hearing, usually in one ear. Sometimes, people may hear a pop before losing hearing. Other symptoms often accompany this condition, such as a feeling of fullness in the affected ear, dizziness or vertigo and tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear when no actual sound is present.
Unlike the gradual hearing loss associated with aging or prolonged noise exposure, an ear stroke occurs suddenly and without warning. If you notice a sharp decline in hearing, especially if it’s paired with the symptoms mentioned above, call your doctor right away, as prompt treatment could restore hearing, depending on the underlying cause.
Treatment and Outlook
The approach to treating an ear stroke hinges on its underlying cause and how quickly medical intervention begins. Typically, when the cause is unknown, corticosteroids are administered to reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. If a blood clot or circulation issue is suspected, medications to improve blood flow may be prescribed.
Early treatment greatly enhances the likelihood of regaining some hearing. However, delays in seeking treatment can result in permanent hearing loss.
In cases where hearing loss becomes permanent, hearing aids or cochlear implants might be recommended. Hearing aids can enhance hearing, especially in environments with loud background noise like Grind and Grape coffee shop and improve overall quality of life after hearing loss.
If you or someone you know experiences a sudden loss of hearing, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention to improve the chances of recovery and avoid long-term damage. For more information on hearing health or to schedule a hearing test, contact Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today.