Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss!
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ssnhl) is characterized by a sudden decrease in hearing of at least 30 db, affecting at least three frequencies over a 72-hour period or less. Tinnitus is an almost universal effect of ssnhl.Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the cochlea or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. This is much more difficult to treat as it involves nerve damage. There is currently no cure for sensorineural hearing loss but there are therapies that can significantly mitigate the damage and reduce the sound level of tinnitus.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a frightening subset of sensorineural hearing loss. It can occur over a few hours, a few minutes, or even instantaneously. People afflicted with ssnhl typically feel a fullness in the ear before the onset of hearing loss. They may experience a “pop” in the ear and frequently have vertigo. In most cases ssnhl affects only one ear.
Roughly one-third of those afflicted with ssnhl have a complete restoration of hearing. Another third experience a partial restoration and a third have continued hearing loss with no improvement.
Causes of ssnhl and tinnitus
Many believe ssnhl results from an auto-immune condition or a viral infection. Accordingly, they treat this with steroids or anti-viral medications. In about 90% of cases there is no specific cause that can be identified. This is termed idiopathic ssnhl.
However, it is widely believed that treatment should begin as early as possible, within 10 days of onset, for best results.
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