Wednesday, October 4, 2000

The shock of silence

Sudden hearing loss can be traumatic

By ANDREW WAITS
Clinical Audiologist

Most cases of hearing loss develop very gradually so slowly that the person affected often doesn't even notice the change in hearing.

Sudden hearing loss occurs so quickly literally overnight or in an instant that the change in hearing is dramatic and can be very upsetting.

A sudden hearing loss can involve any part of the hearing system and something as straightforward as ear wax or ear pressure following an airplane flight can cause a sudden hearing loss.

However, the term usually refers to a sudden "nerve" or sensorineural hearing loss. The loss is almost always in one ear (unilateral), and is often accompanied by some degree of dizziness or tinnitus (ear noises). Sudden hearing loss is rare, occurring at a rate of about one case in 10,000 people each year.

Suspected causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss include viral infection, ototoxic medications, acoustic trauma and meningitis. In most cases, the specific cause is never found.

In cases with no known cause, viral infection or vascular blockage is suspected. There may be a history of a recent flu or cold, but in most cases there are no other complaints (except perhaps dizziness, tinnitus or a sense of "fullness" in the ear).

Partial of complete recovery occurs in about 65 percent of the cases. Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Those who seek immediate medical attention (within a week or so) have a higher recovery rate than those who wait.

The recovery rate is also higher for those with milder hearing loss. Patients with more severe dizziness are less likely to recover their hearing.

Someone who experiences sudden hearing loss should seek medical attention as soon as possible so that immediate treatment can be provided. The medical evaluation usually includes a thorough history and physical, otologic and audiologic examinations.

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