A common discussion point with patients is
often whether loss of hearing or loss of vision is the poorer fate in life.
Speaking in the theoretical is one thing but actually going through it is
another. There is a condition in which in the blink of an eye you can go from perfectly
normal hearing to a sudden and profound loss of hearing, typically in one ear. The
effect this sudden change in a perception has a major impact on ones psyche.
What might have been considered to be the better option to blindness can
quickly be recognized for what it is. Here is a little information on this
disorder.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
sometimes called sudden onset hearing loss is a condition on which one has a
reduction in hearing typically in one ear that occurs suddenly and with
significant impact on inner ear function. The cause of this disorder is
sometime unknown (idiopathic). It is suggested that some possible causes are
infectious diseases, head trauma, vascular issues such as insufficiency, and
the list goes on. In most cases it is difficult or impossible to know what the
specific cause of the sudden loss was.
Correct diagnosis and treatment of this
disorder immediately is of ultimate importance. The typical first diagnosis for
this condition is that this is an ear infection and antibiotics are prescribed
however this approach is one that does not address the real issue. It is
important to see an audiologist immediately to document and verify the nature
of the loss. Once diagnosed correctly a typical approach is the prescription of
corticosteroids either taken orally or sometimes injected intratympanically (through
the ear drum), recovery can be spontaneous but also may be aided through
intervention occurring primarily in the first two weeks after onset. The audiologists should be included in
monitoring the recovery.
