{"id":985,"date":"2021-10-26T15:56:40","date_gmt":"2021-10-26T20:56:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nsavl.fm1.dev\/?p=985"},"modified":"2021-12-08T13:20:25","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T19:20:25","slug":"what-is-sudden-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/what-is-sudden-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Sudden Hearing Loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is Sudden Deafness? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Sudden deafness is a reduction of hearing of 30 dB or greater over three contiguous frequencies, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less. Ninety percent of cases result in unilateral (single-sided) hearing loss, which may be accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus.\nThe severity of the hearing loss varies.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Who Develops Sudden Deafness? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"About one to six per every 5,000 people experience sudden deafness every year, although some suspect this number is much higher as the condition often goes undiagnosed. People of all ages can develop sudden deafness. Most often, it affects adults in their late 40s and early 50s.\"\n    }\n   }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Sudden Deafness?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" There are over 100 possible causes for SSHL. These include: infectious diseases, head trauma, abnormal tissue growth, circulatory problems, neurologic disorders, toxic causes, immunologic diseases, inner ear problems such as Meniere\u2019s disease and ototoxic medications.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of Sudden Deafness?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" Symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo or dizziness, fullness in the ear, a sudden loud \u201cpop\u201d in the ear, similar to what you\u2019d experience with a change in pressure and muffled hearing upon wakening or when trying to use the telephone. \"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Is Sudden Deafness Diagnosed?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" Your doctor will first complete a physical exam, looking in your ear to determine if there is an obstruction. If there is no obvious cause to your sudden deafness, such as a buildup of fluid or earwax, your doctor will complete a pure tone hearing exam to test for sensorineural hearing loss. Additional tests may be ordered including a balance test, blood work and imaging.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Is Sudden Deafness Treated? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" Treatment varies and will depend upon the cause (if known). Steroids, which reduce inflammation and swelling and aid the body in fighting illness, are the most common treatment method for sudden deafness. Additional treatments may include antibiotics to treat an infection or medication to suppress the immune system if the sudden deafness is caused by an autoimmune disorder.\"\n    }\n }\n ]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency defined as an individual experiencing at least 30 dB of sensorineural hearing loss occurring over 3 days or less. It typically occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways to the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1087905892-optimized-scaled-2-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1087905892-optimized-scaled-2-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1087905892-optimized-scaled-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1087905892-optimized-scaled-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1087905892-optimized-scaled-2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency defined as an individual experiencing at least 30 dB of sensorineural hearing loss occurring over 3 days or less. It typically occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways to the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SSNHL are associated with head trauma (such as a car accident), acoustic trauma (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/hearing_loss\/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exposure to loud noises<\/a>), viral infections, tumors, decreased circulation to the inner ear, membrane breaks, or exposure to ototoxic medications. Also, it is not uncommon for it to occur for an unknown reason (idiopathic).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment is managed by an otolaryngologist in conjunction with the audiologist in order to achieve maximum recovery of hearing. Pharmacological treatment can include steroids or antiviral medications when diagnosed close to the onset of symptoms. <a href=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/what-is-sudden-hearing-loss\/\">Learn more about Sensorineural Hearing Loss.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What is Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sudden deafness is an unexplained and rapid hearing loss that occurs all at once or over several days which may be accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus. The severity of the hearing loss varies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Who Develops Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experts estimate that about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/sudden-deafness\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/sudden-deafness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one to six per every 5,000 people<\/a> experience sudden deafness every year, although some suspect this number is much higher as the condition often goes undiagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People of all ages can develop sudden deafness. Most often, it affects adults in their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hearingloss.org\/hearing-help\/hearing-loss-basics\/sudden-deafness\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.hearingloss.org\/hearing-help\/hearing-loss-basics\/sudden-deafness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">late 40s and early 50s<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Causes Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many possible causes for SSHL. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Infectious diseases<\/li><li>Head trauma<\/li><li>Abnormal tissue growth<\/li><li>Circulatory problems<\/li><li>Neurologic disorders<\/li><li>Exposure to loud noise<\/li><li>Immunologic diseases<\/li><li>Inner ear problems such as Meniere\u2019s disease<\/li><li>Ototoxic medications<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Are the Symptoms of Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms that often precede or accompany sudden deafness include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)<\/li><li>Vertigo or dizziness<\/li><li>Fullness in the ear<\/li><li>A sudden loud \u201cpop\u201d in the ear, similar to what you\u2019d experience with a change in pressure<\/li><li>Muffled hearing upon wakening or when trying to use the telephone<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>How is Sudden Deafness Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience any of these symptoms, see an audiologist immediately. Doctors believe that prompt medical attention offers the best chances for a full recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will first complete a physical exam, looking in your ear to determine if there is an obstruction. If there is no obvious cause to your sudden deafness, such as a buildup of fluid or earwax, your doctor will complete a pure tone hearing exam to test for sensorineural hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A pure tone hearing test measures how loud different sounds must be before you can hear them. The results of this test are important, as a common sign of sudden deafness is a loss of 30 decibels and three connected frequencies within a 72 hour period. This change in hearing would make someone speaking at a normal volume sound like a whisper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are diagnosed with sudden deafness, your doctor will order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. These may include a balance test, blood work and imaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How Is Sudden Deafness Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment varies and will depend upon the cause (if known). Steroids, which reduce inflammation and swelling and aid the body in fighting illness, are the most common treatment method for sudden deafness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional treatments may include antibiotics to treat an infection or medication to suppress the immune system if the sudden deafness is caused by an autoimmune disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those with severe hearing loss that does not respond to treatment, an audiologist may recommend the use of a hearing aid or cochlear implant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"site-content-cta\">\r\n\t<svg class=\"site-cta\" width=\"32\" height=\"28\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 28\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M11.5928 6.28577L20.4068 6.28577L25.1426 14.1529L20.4068 22.02H11.5928L6.85693 14.1529L11.5928 6.28577Z\" fill=\"#0A807C\"\/>\n<path d=\"M5.96069 3.92207C6.19818 4.06298 6.50493 3.98469 6.64583 3.7472L8.57249 0.5L12.1439 0.5C12.42 0.5 12.6439 0.276142 12.6439 0L19.3561 0C19.3561 0.276142 19.58 0.5 19.8561 0.5L23.4275 0.5L25.3542 3.7472C25.4951 3.98469 25.8018 4.06298 26.0393 3.92207L29.6729 10.0462C29.4354 10.1871 29.3571 10.4938 29.498 10.7313L31.4186 13.9683L29.498 17.2052C29.3571 17.4427 29.4354 17.7494 29.6729 17.8903L26.0393 24.0144C25.8018 23.8735 25.4951 23.9518 25.3542 24.1893L23.4275 27.4365H19.8561C19.58 27.4365 19.3561 27.6604 19.3561 27.9365H12.6439C12.6439 27.6604 12.42 27.4365 12.1439 27.4365H8.57249L6.64583 24.1893C6.50493 23.9518 6.19818 23.8735 5.96069 24.0144L2.32708 17.8903C2.56456 17.7494 2.64286 17.4427 2.50195 17.2052L0.581386 13.9683L2.50195 10.7313C2.64286 10.4938 2.56456 10.1871 2.32708 10.0462L5.96069 3.92207Z\" stroke=\"#10CFC9\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-dasharray=\"12 12\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\r\n\tCall North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab at <a href=\"tel:+18474325555\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(847) 432-5555<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency defined as an individual experiencing at least 30 dB of sensorineural hearing loss occurring over 3 days or less. It typically occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways to the brain. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/985"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/985\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}