How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

One of the first steps in diagnosing SSHL is ruling out conductive hearing loss, which is caused by fluid, earwax or other obstructions of the ear. After this examination, your audiologist will perform a pure tone audiometry test, which measures your ability to hear sound frequencies. Other diagnostic tools may include an MRI, blood draw or balance testing. Our team at Vernose & McGrath ENT will determine what tests will help provide a clear picture of the hearing loss that’s affecting you.

How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated?

The best treatment for sudden hearing loss will vary from patient to patient. Vernose & McGrath ENT’s audiologists will help determine which steps may be right for your specific needs. Particularly if its cause is unknown, the most common treatment for SSHL is corticosteroids. These can help the body fight illnesses and reduce inflammation and swelling. Steroids may be prescribed orally or injected directly into the ear by your doctor. If an underlying cause of your hearing loss is determined, your doctor may recommend additional treatments, including antibiotics for an infection, switching medications for ototoxic drugs or medication for autoimmune disorders. It’s important to seek treatment for SSHL as soon as possible to ensure the best chances of preserving your hearing. One study found that 85% of sudden hearing loss patients who saw an ENT promptly regained some or most of their hearing.

Sudden Hearing Loss | Vernose & McGrath ENT

Sudden Hearing Loss: Understanding its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You might imagine hearing loss as a gradual process, but sometimes, it occurs all at once or during a short period of time. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or SSHL, occurs because of an issue with your inner ear’s sensory organs. Often, it only affects one ear.

It’s important to seek out treatment quickly if you or a loved one are experiencing SSHL. Our audiologists will partner with you to provide personalized care.

What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

Only around 10% of instances of SSHL have an identifiable cause. The condition may be a result of:

Head trauma
Infection
Issues with blood circulation
Autoimmune diseases
Neurological disorders
Problems with the inner ear

Our Team Can Help

Don’t let anything hold you back from embracing life to its fullest. Let Vernose & McGrath ENT empower you to take back control, reconnecting you with all the opportunities the world has to offer. We’re committed to your health, so you can be committed to experiencing life.

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