Sudden Hearing Loss
Dealing With Sudden Hearing Loss in Colorado Springs, CO
Sudden hearing loss is a rapid onset that starts with sudden, significant changes in hearing. It typically develops over a 72-hour period or less. Many times, there isn’t a clear reason for the hearing loss. If you are experiencing sudden changes in your hearing, like hearing loss, a ringing in your ears, a feeling of pressure or fullness in your ears, or ear pain, you should visit an ear doctor or audiologist right away. Colorado Springs Ear Associates is here to help when you’re dealing with hearing problems or changes in hearing. Call now to make an appointment for an exam and hearing evaluation if you are experiencing sudden hearing loss in Colorado Springs, CO.
Recognizing Common Symptoms of Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss is categorized by a sudden, rapid, and progressively worsening loss of hearing. Often, you may experience other symptoms along with hearing loss, such as:
Understanding What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss
In some cases, the cause of sudden hearing loss is never determined. The most common sudden hearing loss cause is cochlear inflammation. Some other possible causes include:
- Acoustic neuroma or benign tumor in the ear
- Viral infection
- Stroke
- Ruptured membrane in the inner ear
- Immune system malfunction
- Meniere’s disease
- Injury to the ear
- Blocked blood flow to the ear
Importance of Early Evaluation and Diagnosis
Sudden hearing loss is an emergency. While many people delay seeking treatment because they think it is a symptom of allergies or sinus issues, you must get medical attention as soon as possible. You should never ignore sudden or severe changes in your hearing ability. While your symptoms may be mild or temporary, it’s best to visit an expert just to be safe. Without treatment, some causes of sudden hearing loss can get rapidly worse or even cause permanent ear damage or hearing loss. When you get a swift evaluation and diagnosis, you have the best chance of successful treatment without lasting complications.
What to Expect from the Diagnostic Process?
The first thing we will do is perform an ear examination. We will look for signs of ear wax buildup, fluid buildup, inflammation, and other causes of hearing loss. We will also administer an audiometry test or hearing test. We will ask you questions about your home and work environments, lifestyle, diet, health, and medical history. We may take blood tests and imaging tests, and we may conduct a balance test. Our goal is to do everything possible to determine the underlying cause of your hearing loss so that we can design the most effective treatment plan.
Exploring Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment Options
We will start with minimally invasive, conservative treatment options. For most people, we recommend corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling. The steroids may be administered orally, intravenously, or via injection. After one or two weeks, you may experience a gradual return of your hearing ability. If steroids don’t work, we may suggest further imaging, diagnostic testing, or exploratory surgery.
Call Now if You Experience Sudden or Extreme Changes in Hearing
If you are experiencing sudden hearing loss in Colorado Springs, CO, it’s crucial to promptly seek medical attention. You can visit an emergency room, ENT, audiologist, or one of our experienced ear specialists at Colorado Springs Ear Associates. We specialize in comprehensive ear care services, including hearing loss, balance disorders, and medical and surgical ear conditions. Call us now to make an appointment for an evaluation, testing, and diagnosis. We can design a personalized treatment plan that helps you find relief and addresses the root cause of your hearing loss.