Wait a Minute I cant hear and yesterday I could Sudden Hearing Loss IS a Medical Emergency Sudden hearing loss

is a temporary or even a permanent hearing reduction of 30 decibels or more in three continuous frequencies in a period of 72 hours or less. Its not an abrupt, immediate change like an on and off sensation but it is a noticeable change within hours. About half of the patients diagnosed will say When I woke up I ange up, couldnt hear The age group most affected by a sudden hearing loss includes those between 30 and 60 years old. Most of the cases are unilateral (one ear is affected) and equally affects men and women. Causes and Diagnosis There are more than one hundred possible causes making it difficult to assess which may have affected an individuals hearing. Possible causes can be as sim hearing. simple as an ear wax buildup or as complicated as a vascular or blood flow change. Causes include head traumas, neurologic causes, virus, infections, autoimmune diseases, tissue growth, toxicity and ototoxicitiy (medications harmful to the ear). Diagnosis can be made through an audiolog and otologic (ear) examination, MRI, blood audiologic test, otoacoustic emissions test, tympanogram or a thorough patient medical history. Medical Management Some patients can experience spontaneous recovery - usually within 3 days Others days. notice a slow improvement over a 1 week period. Regardless, immediate medical nt 1-2 evaluation is recommended. Medical management can include a medication (such as a short term oral steroid or a steroid) simple office procedure (such as ear wax removal . All treatment will depend upon each removal). patients individual situation, symptoms and the time that has passed between the symptoms, onset of the hearing loss and medical evaluation. Swift treatment is imperative to maximize the benefit of any medication and to minimize the degree of hearing loss.

If the patient experiences a permanent sudden hearing loss amplification with medical loss, clearance may be one solution to preserve communication and speech understanding in the affected ear. Monitoring of Sudden Hearing Loss Periodic audiologic examinations are recommended since partial recovery can occur in recommended small steps and may be missed by the patient. In addition, continued monitoring can ensure the unaffected ear is functioning well. One thing is true and important A Sudden Hearing Loss is a Medical Emergency. As soon as you notice any drastic or sudden reduction in your hearing sensitivity, call your doctor. Time between the onset of reduced hearing and treatment is a crucial factor to diagnose and treat Sudden Hearing Loss. References dcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/sudden.htm http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/sudden.htm http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/hearing/shl.htm -balance.com/disorders/hearing/shl.htm Hearing Disorders Handbook o Authors: Maurice Miller, Ph.D., Jerome Schein, Ph.D.

Southwestern Ear, Nose & Throat Associates ( (SWENT) has served the health needs of Santa Fe and the ) communities of northern New Mexico since 1986. We provide comprehensive ear, nose and throat services in a modern facility in Santa Fe. Call Us now at (505) 819-0617. For physician appointments or medical records, please call (505) 982-4848