Sudden Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, one in three adults aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs gradually over time for most people, but others may experience sudden deafness in one or both ears.

Hearing loss is often a natural consequence of aging, and you may not be aware of the change. However, sudden hearing loss can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as an infection.

Untreated hearing loss can also impair other areas of cognitive function, exacerbating conditions such as memory loss. Let's explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sudden auditory impairment.

Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss can occur due to unknown reasons. However, in most cases, it can be a consequence of different conditions discussed below:

Infections and Tumors

Infections such as Lyme disease and bacterial meningitis can cause sudden deafness. Herpes and mumps are also responsible for various cases of sudden hearing loss. Hearing restoration is usually achieved once the underlying cause is treated.

Tumors that press on the auditory nerve can adversely affect your hearing. Although cases of tumors causing hearing loss are rare, you should get tested to rule it out. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders found that sudden hearing loss caused by tumors affects both ears.

Ototoxic Medications

Certain medications have the side effect of causing temporary and sudden deafness. Some of the drugs that might lead to hearing loss include:

Diuretics
High doses of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Antibiotics such as aminoglycosides

Consult with your doctor and learn about the different side effects of drugs. Autoimmune diseases can also lead to sudden hearing loss.

Trauma and Circulatory Problems

Limited blood circulation in the inner ear can lead to temporary deafness. Some conditions that can adversely affect hearing include blood clotting disorders, hypertension, and diabetes. In addition, trauma to the head can result in injuries that impair your hearing.

A hearing test by a doctor is the best way to determine the cause of sudden deafness. The faster you get diagnosed, the higher your chances of regaining your hearing.

Symptoms of Sudden Hearing Loss

Getting auditory evaluations is necessary after you hit the age of 65. However, anyone can experience sudden deafness accompanied by various symptoms such as:

Ringing in the ears
Sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears
Vertigo or dizziness
The sensation of ear fullness (similar to the feeling of having water in the ear)

These symptoms usually last for a day or two or even simultaneously. Getting clinically evaluated as soon as possible is essential when you realize something is wrong.

Treatment Interventions for Sudden Hearing Loss

Emergency hearing care is the first step if you have lost your hearing. The treatment intervention for hearing loss will vary depending on the severity of a hearing loss. It will also depend on the underlying causes of the deafness.

Common treatments for sudden hearing loss include the following:

Medical Interventions

A doctor may recommend medications such as antibiotics if the cause of the hearing impairment is an infection. The physician may also perform surgery to address issues like fluid buildup in the ear or otosclerosis.

Earwax removal is another medical intervention that can improve your hearing. You may also be put on corticosteroids and blood thinners for ischemia.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are ideal if you have sensorineural hearing loss. These devices are crucial for addressing short-term and long-term senior ear health needs. They are also helpful in doing the following:

Amplifying sounds
Reducing noise to enhance clarity when listening
Adjustable features that allow you to raise or lower the volume

The on-site staff at the assisted living community in Fremont, CA, helps you understand how to use your hearing aids. They also support you to adjust seamlessly to how the devices work.

Cochlear Implants

Severe cases of hearing loss may need cochlear implants if hearing aids and medications fail to work. The implant is well placed in the inner ear and serves the function of stimulating the auditory nerve.

You'll likely need follow-up therapy and rehabilitation to improve your hearing once the implants are in place. That's where the amenities and services available for seniors living in Fremont, CA, come in. From housekeeping to personalized care services, the environment is effectively designed to hasten your recovery.

Importance of Hearing Tests for Seniors

While sudden hearing loss can affect anyone, the likelihood increases with age. According to an article in Age and Aging, hearing loss affects about 1.5 billion people, most of whom are over 60.

Getting regular senior hearing assessments is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment interventions. These tests can identify and address various underlying causes of hearing loss. The main reasons you should get your hearing regularly tested include:

Prevention of Adverse Consequences

It's difficult to assess how much we rely on our hearing daily. Untreated hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline, increasing the risk of falls and leading to social withdrawal and depression.

Realizing you have a hearing problem can be problematic in the home environment, especially if you're alone. The exclusive programs in assisted living in Fremont, CA, can help you receive personalized care services that meet your needs.

Improving Your Quality of Life

Hearing loss puts a significant strain on your social life and mental well-being. A hearing test can definitively determine if you're losing your hearing. This examination paves the way for you to get interventions that directly improve your quality of life.

Remember, hearing restoration begins with a diagnosis and the right treatment approach. Besides, therapy interventions that improve your hearing can augment your independence and mobility.

Address Sudden Hearing Loss Today

Sudden hearing loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including infection and trauma to the ear. Hearing problems are likely to go unnoticed until they become apparent. So, yearly auditory evaluations can help you address the problem effectively and mitigate complications.

Fremont Hills provides various senior living options curated to enhance your quality of life. We have a team of highly trained and friendly staff members who customize our services to meet your needs and make the transition to senior living easy.