In short, yes! Sudden hearing loss, known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) should be treated as a medical emergency. While many people often downplay sudden hearing loss as temporary or situational, it should be taken seriously.
SSNHL usually only affects one ear and occurs in a span of three days or less. It is an unexplained condition that affects 27 out of 100,000 people each year. Both men and women form their mid-40s to mid-50s are known to be affected by SSNHL.
What Are the Symptoms of Sudden Hearing Loss
The most common sign of SSNHL is when an individual wakes up in the morning and realizes their hearing is different. Others report noticing a differencing in hearing when they hold a phone up to their or ear or when they try to listen to earphones. It has also been documented that in some cases, individuals said their sudden hearing loss was preceded by a very noticeable “pop” in their ear.
What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?
The causes for SSNHL are still unexplained. Some experts believe the root cause is due to viral infections. A cause can be identified in only 10 to 15 percent of diagnosed cases, and even then, the true cause is idiopathic (cause unknown).
However, some experts have noted that the possible known causes that elevate the risk of SSNHL include:
- Bacterial infection
- Viral infection
- Inner ear disorders, especially Meniere’s disease
- Migraines
- Tumours
- Head injury or trauma
- Autoimmune inner ear disorder
- Neurologic diseases or disorders
- Low thyroid hormones
- Circulation issues
Can COVID-19 Cause Sudden Hearing Loss?
The relationship between COVID-19 and SSNL is currently unknown. However, since COVID-19 is a virus and viral infections are believed to play a part in causing SSNHL, this cannot be ruled out. We can only wait for more medical documentation to have a clear answer in the future.
Can Sudden Hearing Loss Be Fixed?
While there are few treatments for SSNHL, the steroids used to treat it suppress inflammation and work well. It is important to know that 85% of individuals who receive prompt medical attention regain all of their hearing.
Testing for Sudden Hearing Loss
If you are experiencing rapid hearing loss in one ear and suspect you have SSNHL, the first step is to make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. A hearing test called Pure Tone Audiometry can be used to measure hearing loss. Early medical attention is the best way to know if you are truly experiencing SSNHL and to regain your hearing!