Sudden Hearing Loss
confusing and unclear. If it occurs, it is shocking and sometimes irreversible. When my father suddenly experienced hearing loss, it was total and could not be fixed. They would not do surgery on him (i.e. implants) because of his age. Once sudden hearing loss happens, certainly a hearing test can diagnose damage. And hearing aid costs have become manageable if they are an option. But what about hearing loss prevention in the first place? Can anything be done? Sudden hearing loss is defined as a loss of hearing in one or both ears that is more than 30 decibels (sound pressure measurement) over at least three frequencies (measuring and differentiating sound by waves) which is discovered when ear specialists test hearing loss. As a comparison, normal conversation is at about 60 to 63 decibels. To be defined as “sudden,” the hearing loss must occur over three days maximum. It is frequently accompanied by ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Statistics indicated that is happens most often to people between ages 30 and 60. Sudden conductive hearing loss -- Having to do with the middle ear which conducts sound into the inner ear area. Sudden conductive hearing loss is the easier to diagnose and treat. It is often due to something more obvious like an extremely loud noise, a head injury, or even a bad cold that can eventually correct itself. In the cases of loud sound or head injury, however, damage or breakage could have been caused to the delicate bones in the middle ear. Surgery may have to be done to repair this damage. 
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) -- Having to do with the inner ear (cochlea area), the pathway of nerves called the auditory nerves, or with the brain itself. As usual, it can affect just one ear (unilateral sensorineural hearing loss), or both ears (bilateral sensorinerual hearing loss). It most commonly affects only one ear. Sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) happens very suddenly, within minutes or hours, specifically within three days. A patient can wake up in the morning and suddenly not hear. Or become unable to hear on the phone, as with my father. If this occurs, see a doctor right away for a thorough exam and to test hearing loss; it is considered a medical emergency.What do you do when you suddenly lose your hearing? It depends on the cause and if there is a treatment. Since this is not just one of the serious elderly issues, but also becoming more common with ages 30 to 60, it is important to gain as much understanding as possible. Read these articles as well: Causes of Sudden Loss of Hearing -- find out the most common and if they may impact you. Sudden Hearing Loss Treatments -- learn what can be done, depending on causes. High Frequency Hearing Loss -- a very common issue when entire ranges of hearing are blocked out. Return from Sudden Hearing Loss, copyright 2009-2011, OneSong, LLC
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