Acute sensorineural hearing loss can lead to deafness

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Acute sensorineural hearing loss can lead to deafness if left untreated.

Ears are one of the most important organs in our body. If something happens to the ears, the sounds we should hear in our daily lives may become completely silent or soft, as if someone has turned down the volume around us. Today, we will introduce you to one of the ear diseases that, if left untreated, can cause sudden hearing loss, which is “Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss”.

What is acute sensorineural hearing loss? 

Acute hearing loss is a disease that occurs when our auditory nerves suddenly deteriorate or within a short period of time. Patients with this disease may hear only a small amount of sound. In some cases, the loss of hearing may be so severe that they may not hear any sound at all. Acute hearing loss can be temporary or permanent if left untreated. 

Causes of acute sensorineural hearing loss 

  • Viral infections such as influenza, rubella, or shingles, etc. 
  • Decreased blood flow in the ear, possibly due to low pressure or excessive blood loss. 
  • Severe Meniere’s disease

Symptoms of acute sensorineural hearing loss 

  • Sudden hearing loss, usually affecting only one ear.
  • There is a noise in the affected ear.
  • Dizziness and balance problems  may also occur
  • Can’t hear outside sounds, feels like something is stuck or tight inside the ear
  • The sound quality reduce. You have to listen repeatedly or turn up the volume of what you are listening to. 

Complications of acute sensorineural hearing loss 

Complications of this disease vary depending on the cause and symptoms of the disease. But a common complication that often occurs in patients who are left untreated is permanent hearing loss or hearing loss. 

Diagnosis

  • A tuning fork is a two-pronged instrument with a handle. That is used to filter out the initial sounds and distinguish them.
  • An audiogram or hearing test is use. This diagnostic method involves taking the patient to a quiet room and listening to the sound in one ear at a time to assess the hearing level in decibels. 

Treatment

  • Initially, the doctor will prescribe medication to the patient, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, vasodilators, or medications to relieve dizziness.
  • In patients who do not have severe symptoms or are in a safe condition, doctors will allow them to rest at home. However, patients risk of severe symptoms or complications hospitalize.
  • The doctor will schedule an appointment for the patient to check their hearing level periodically to assess and monitor the treatment results.