What are the possible causes of sudden hearing loss?
December 27, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear Doctor,
I am reaching out to you because in the last few days I suddenly noticed a hearing loss in my left ear and I am very worried. I have not had any problems with my hearing before and it happened all of a sudden, without any apparent reason.
I do not have any pre-existing conditions related to my ears or in general, and I have not suffered any injuries recently. I also do not have any known allergies or infections that could explain my hearing loss. I work in an office and am not exposed to loud noises or other potentially harmful environmental factors.
The sudden hearing loss only affects my left ear and I do not have any pain or dizziness. I do not have any problems with balance or other symptoms that could indicate a serious illness.
I am wondering what the possible causes of this sudden hearing loss could be and how I should deal with it. Should I seek medical attention immediately or are there ways to observe the situation for now? Are there treatment options that could improve my hearing loss or is permanent damage possible?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could shed some light on this situation and provide me with possible steps for further evaluation and treatment.
Sincerely,
Mia Keck
Dear Mia Keck,
Thank you for your message and I understand that sudden hearing loss can be very concerning. It is important that you address this situation promptly to determine possible causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Sudden hearing loss can have various causes. One possible reason could be sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which often occurs without an apparent reason and typically affects only one ear. Another possible cause could be sudden conductive hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the middle ear or a blockage in the ear canal.
It is important that you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor as soon as possible to receive a precise diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination, including a hearing test and possibly other diagnostic measures such as tympanometry or an MRI. Based on these examinations, the cause of your hearing loss can be identified.
Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, there are various treatment options. For sudden sensorineural hearing loss, therapy with corticosteroid medications may help improve hearing loss. For other causes, fitting a hearing aid or surgery may be necessary.
It is crucial that you do not hesitate to see a doctor, as acting swiftly can increase the chances of successful treatment. Untreated hearing loss can lead to permanent damage and impact your quality of life.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor to determine the cause of your hearing loss and receive appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you have any further questions or uncertainties.
Best regards,
Roberta Weinert
