An ear stroke, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, occurs when a person loses hearing in one or both ears suddenly or over several days. It is a serious medical condition that can lead to permanent or temporary hearing damage if not treated promptly. Consider the following to understand what to do if you ever experience an ear stroke.
Understanding Ear Stroke
An ear stroke occurs when there is a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing in one or both ears. This condition typically manifests within a 72-hour period, and most people tend to notice it upon waking or when they try to use the affected ear.
The exact cause of an ear stroke is not always clear, but it is often linked to issues with blood flow to the inner ear, viral infections or trauma. Only about 10% of cases have an identifiable cause, and SSHL often goes undiagnosed.
The inner ear relies on a consistent blood supply to function properly, and when this supply is interrupted or compromised, hearing loss can occur. In some cases, autoimmune disorders, where the body attacks its own cells, may also play a role in the development of ear stroke. Other potential causes include ototoxic medications, which are drugs that can damage the ear or medical conditions such as Ménière’s disease.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The primary indicator, as mentioned earlier is rapid hearing loss in one ear, but there are often other accompanying symptoms. These can include a sensation of fullness in the affected ear, dizziness or vertigo and tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear. Some people may also experience a sense of imbalance or nausea.
It’s important to differentiate between an ear stroke and other types of hearing loss. Unlike gradual hearing loss due to aging or noise exposure, an ear stroke happens suddenly and without warning. If you experience a sudden drop in hearing, particularly if it’s accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical attention immediately, as proper treatment has the potential to restore hearing, depending on the cause.
It’s important to differentiate between an ear stroke and other types of hearing loss. Unlike gradual hearing loss due to aging or noise exposure, an ear stroke happens suddenly and without warning. If you experience a sudden drop in hearing, particularly if it’s accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment and Prognosis
The treatment for an ear stroke depends on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment can be initiated. The most common approach involves high doses of corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear. In cases where a blood clot or circulatory issue is suspected, medications that improve blood flow might be prescribed.
If medical intervention is provided within the first two weeks of symptom onset, there’s a better chance of recovering some or all the lost hearing. However, delayed treatment can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In some cases, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended if hearing loss becomes permanent. Hearing aids help to amplify hearing, especially speech, in places with noisy background sounds like Theory Coffee Roasters and can improve overall quality of life after hearing loss.
If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, seek help right away to improve the chances of recovery and prevent long-term damage. To learn more about overall auditory health or to schedule a hearing test, contact Audiology Associates of Redding today.