Recognising and Addressing Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
AN ARTICLE FROM THE TEAM AT EAR STUDIO
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can catch anyone off guard. It can affect one or both ears, it may leave you feeling like your ears are underwater or blocked, and possibly accompanied by ringing or buzzing sounds.
This can happen to people with or without a previous hearing loss. For those wearing hearing aids, it may appear as a technical issue. But how do you know if it’s happened to you?
The key sign is a rapid change in your hearing, occurring within minutes to hours or over a couple of days. If your hearing alters significantly within 24 hours, don’t delay – get it checked. Don’t “sleep on it” or take a “wait and see” approach to see if it improves on its own; seek advice promptly from an audiology clinic.
Why an Audiologist or Audiometrist?
GPs may lack the tools to diagnose sudden hearing loss. While they certainly can inspect your ears, most do not have the equipment to perform detailed hearing tests identifying if a sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be the cause for your complaint. Our clinicians can assess various parts of your hearing and ears comprehensively, pinpointing issues like a sudden hearing loss and advise the best course of action.
Why the urgency?
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is indeed a medical emergency. The sooner targeted treatment can commence, the more likely a successful outcome is, and your hearing can be restored. In some cases, the hearing loss may recover partially or not at all, which is why it is important to seek treatment maximising the chances of recovery.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by swelling in blood vessels supplying the inner ear. Treatment is prescribed by your GP or ENT and aims to reduce swelling and restore blood flow to the affected area promptly, therefore minimising any permanent damage. The causes of sudden hearing loss can vary, often it remains a mystery. However, swift intervention is the key for recovery, regardless of the cause.
Don’t ignore sudden changes in your hearing.
Take the proactive step of scheduling an appointment with a clinician at an audiology clinic – no referrals are needed for adults. They’ll conduct assessments, report and collaborate with your GP on treatment plans, and refer you to specialists if necessary.
While sudden sensorineural hearing loss requires urgent attention, other ear issues like infections or wax blockages may produce similar symptoms but are less time-sensitive. Treatment pathways of course will depend on the individual situation and can range from a wax removal in our clinic to a referral with a specialist.
If you believe you may be suffering from sudden hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at Ear Studio on 02 9159 6122. We will consider your concerns and ensure you receive the care you need promptly. Don’t let hearing loss catch you off guard – act swiftly to safeguard your hearing health.
You can visit www.earstudio. com.au for more information or to book online. We are happy to help find a time that is suitable for you. We are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 4pm and are located at Lawton House in Castle Hill (Suites 9-10 / 60 Cecil Ave). “Proudly independent and locally owned”
