Medically, sudden hearing loss is the name given to hearing loss originating from the inner ear or auditory nerve, which develops within 3 days and shows hearing loss of more than 30 decibels in 3 consecutive frequencies in the hearing test. Among the most common causes of hearing loss that begins suddenly in the ear are; earwax, otitis media, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, eardrum perforation and ear trauma. In the diseases we have mentioned, even if the treatment is delayed for 3-5 days, no significant problem will arise. However, sudden idiopathic hearing loss (sudden hearing loss) is a disease that progresses to deafness when treatment is delayed. For this reason, people who experience hearing loss should not ignore this situation by saying 'it will go away anyway'.
Tinnitus and Humming May Be Signs of Hearing Loss
Determining the cause of sudden hearing loss. rate is around 10%. Although there is no cause in 85-90% of patients, detectable causes include viral infections, vascular events, autoimmune causes (destruction of the body's defense system), tumoral events, exposure to very loud noise, sudden pressure changes, some systemic diseases and cancer drugs. Rarely, sudden hearing loss can occur in middle ear infections.
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears is the most common symptom. Sometimes the first symptom may be buzzing in the ears, ringing, a feeling of fullness, and dizziness. The patient may not be able to notice hearing loss due to ringing and buzzing, or we sometimes witness the humming being described as "my ear hurts".
When no problem is seen in the ear canal or eardrum during the examination, the disease is suspected and a hearing test is performed. If necessary, examinations for metabolic, vascular and infectious causes may also be requested to find the cause of hearing loss. In doubtful cases, ear MRI is used.
Starting Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment Quickly Increases the Chances of Treatment
The most important event in treatment and affecting the success of treatment is how quickly it occurs. treatment is started accordingly. With each day that passes after the first 3-4 days, the chance of treatment begins to decrease. Although the chance of treatment decreases considerably in patients who have lived for more than 2 weeks, there is almost no chance of cure in cases that have lasted more than 1 month. It doesn't. However, these patients should still be offered treatment.
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