Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Brittany Mott

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss IS a Medical Emergency

Sensorineural hearing loss is a hearing loss at the level of the inner ear; typically caused by damage to the hair cells within the inner ear. A sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or sudden deafness, is characterized as a rapid loss of hearing (typically only in one ear), either all at once or over the course of a few days. Though it is thought to be rare, sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurs in approximately one to six in every 5,000 adults annually (there are cases of sudden deafness in children as well). 


People who experience sudden deafness may or may not have accompanying symptoms. Such accompanying symptoms may include pressure in the affected ear, dizziness and/or ringing in the ear and distortion of sound in the affected ear. It is very common for people with this type of hearing loss to disregard it, associating it with a history of sinus infections or wax buildup in the ear. This leads to a delayed diagnosis and inability to effectively treat the condition. 


Causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss are widely unknown, however, it is thought to be caused by infections of the inner ear, though some cases have been linked to ototoxic chemicals and auto-immune diseases. It is very important to seek treatment immediately, as research suggests proper treatment within 72 hours of hearing loss onset is more likely to result in partial or full recovery of hearing. It is also important to rule out more serious conditions such as stroke, or a tumor on the auditory nerve. 


Sudden sensorineural hearing loss with no unknown cause is typically treated with corticosteroids, which work by reducing inflammation, decreasing swelling, and fighting illness. Oral steroids and trans-tympanic (through the eardrum) injections have been proven to be effective in restoring hearing for people who experience sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Early identification is key in successfully treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and a full hearing assessment is essential in diagnosing such a hearing loss. 


Our clinicians at Niagara Hearing & Health are here to help you. If you think you have experienced a sudden sensorineural hearing loss, act fast! Do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule a hearing assessment and be sure to mention you think you may be experiencing a sudden loss of hearing. 

Types of Hearing Loss

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Learn More About Tinnitus

By Brittany Mott • July 5, 2022
Tinnitus is a constant or intermittent ringing in one or both of your ears. Almost everyone has experienced tinnitus at some point in their lives; however, for some, it is a persistent and often even debilitating issue. What people don’t often know is what causes tinnitus and what they can do to relieve their symptoms. Causes of tinnitus: Hearing Loss: Often, tinnitus is associated with a sensorineural hearing loss. In fact, 90% of people who present with a sensorineural hearing loss also report tinnitus. This type of hearing loss can be hereditary, age-related, trauma-induced or noise-induced. Hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus. Infection: During active infection, or even following ear infections, fluid can persist in the middle ear causing a change in pressure in the middle ear space, which can result in tinnitus. Blockage: Build up of ear wax or blockage by a foreign body entering the ear canal can cause tinnitus. Injury or trauma to the head or neck: Typically, this type of damage will cause tinnitus in just one ear. Medications: Certain medications have been known to induce tinnitus. Such medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, antidepressants and diuretics. People often get the discouraging message that nothing can be done to relieve symptoms of tinnitus and they must get used to it. Though there is no ‘cure’ for tinnitus, there are a lot of great tools and treatments to reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus. An important first step is booking a hearing test with a qualified hearing care professional who specializes in identification and treatment of tinnitus. At Niagara Hearing & Health, we are members of the American Tinnitus Association and therefore specialize in the identification and management of tinnitus. Brittany or Seneka will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation including tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing in addition to the pure-tone air and bone conduction testing. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures you are in great hands. Once we have the information we need, we will discuss the best tinnitus management program for you to minimize the impact tinnitus has on your life. Sometimes the answer is wax removal, sometimes it is hearing aids; and other times it may be a more involved treatment plan. No two tinnitus cases are alike and therefore the best course of treatment is going to differ from patient to patient. Successful tinnitus management programs require overlapping layers of treatment options. At Niagara Hearing & Health we are here to take the time and help you manage your tinnitus with individualized treatment plans. - Brittany Mott Au.D., Reg. CASLPO
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