Sudden hearing loss is hearing loss of more than thirty decibels that occurs within three days of the onset. This is different from gradual hearing loss that may take many years to develop. People who are in their mid to late forties are at the highest risk of sudden hearing loss.
Many people who develop the sudden hearing loss in one ear first notice the hearing loss when they attempt to use the affected ear such as using the telephone. In some cases, the person wakes up with a noticeable hearing loss.
Tinnitus and vertigo are common symptoms of sudden hearing loss. Tinnitus is a ringing in the ear or the presence of other sounds that are not present in the environment. Vertigo is dizziness that is especially felt when the person stands up or suddenly changes position.
In some cases, the cause of the sudden hearing loss is able to be identified. The hearing loss may be a complication of a disease such as diabetes. Sudden hearing loss may be due to an infection. In many cases of sudden hearing loss, the cause is undetermined. This is called idiopathic hearing loss.
There is some debate on how sudden hearing loss should be treated medically. If the cause of the hearing loss has been identified, the physician may focus treatment on treating the cause of the hearing loss. By focusing on the cause, some of the hearing may be restored. Even if the hearing cannot be restored, treatment of the cause may prevent further damage to the ears or nerves being affected.
When the person has idiopathic hearing loss, the cause is not evident. Some researchers believe that idiopathic hearing loss is caused by a viral infection that has not been identified. Some physicians treat antiviral medications as one of the possible new treatments for sudden hearing loss.
Corticosteroids are often used as a treatment for sudden hearing loss. A combination of corticosteroids and antiviral medications seems to be one of the most promising new treatments for sudden hearing loss. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are sometimes used for sudden hearing loss. The effectiveness of this new treatment for sudden hearing loss has not been well documented.
