Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss[edit | edit source]
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is a rapid loss of hearing, typically in one ear, that occurs over a period of 72 hours or less. It is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to improve the chances of recovery.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of SSNHL is a sudden decrease in hearing ability in one ear. Other symptoms may include:
- A feeling of fullness in the affected ear
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear
- Dizziness or vertigo
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of SSNHL is often unknown, but potential causes include:
- Viral infections
- Vascular occlusion
- Autoimmune diseases
- Trauma
- Ototoxic drugs
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of SSNHL involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by audiometric testing to confirm the hearing loss. Additional tests may include:
- MRI to rule out acoustic neuroma or other structural causes
- Blood tests to check for infections or autoimmune markers
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for SSNHL may include:
- Corticosteroids, which are the most common treatment
- Antiviral medications if a viral infection is suspected
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in some cases
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for SSNHL varies. Some patients experience full recovery, while others may have permanent hearing loss. Early treatment improves the likelihood of recovery.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
SSNHL affects approximately 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually. It can occur at any age but is most common in adults aged 30 to 60.
See Also[edit | edit source]
==
- Schreiber, B. E., Agrup, C., Haskard, D. O., & Luxon, L. M. (2010). Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The Lancet, 375(9721), 1203-1211.
- Chau, J. K., Lin, J. R., Atashband, S., Irvine, R. A., & Westerberg, B. D. (2010). Systematic review of the evidence for the etiology of adult sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The Laryngoscope, 120(5), 1011-1021.
NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rare disease.
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