Sudden Hearing Loss
DO NOT IGNORE SUDDEN HEARING LOSS
Everyone’s hearing declines naturally with age, but if hearing loss appears suddenly in one or both ears for no apparent reason you may be experiencing Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), commonly known as sudden deafness.
It is considered a medical emergency and anyone who experiences SSHL should visit a doctor immediately.
Many people ignore it thinking it could be due to allergies or an illness, so they don’t seek medical attention for a few weeks. This delay can increase the risk of permanent hearing loss.
Treatment
Time is of the essence to save your hearing. You have a small window to treat sudden hearing loss so it is important to seek medical attention if your hearing goes away for more than one day.
Sudden hearing loss is treated with corticosteroids over a 2-week period. Even with timely treatment you may not regain your full hearing but the sooner you get checked out the better.
If it is SSHL then every day you delay treatment reduces your chance of recovery.