Are you concerned you have sudden hearing loss? Don’t let it get in the way of your active lifestyle! Seek treatment immediately!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to lose one of your five senses suddenly? Sudden hearing loss is just that: sudden hearing loss. Considered a medical emergency, sudden hearing loss can happen in an instant or over a period of a few days.
You Are Not a Superhero
Losing a sense — particularly your hearing — is not a sign you are turning into a super hero. No, you will not be like Daredevil, ridding the world of crime in Hell’s Kitchen, even though you can’t see. (Or hear, in this case.) And no, Marvel Comics will not base a story line in their universe on your life. You haven’t been bitten by a genetically altered spider. And it’s not likely you qualify for admittance to the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. However, it is possible to preserve hearing by treating sudden hearing loss immediately.
Sudden Hearing Loss vs. Hearing Loss
To be totally honest, at Decibels Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we do not see too many patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). (NERD ALERT: this is the correct medical terminology to denote the official condition.) The vast majority of our patients experience the symptoms associated with gradual hearing loss. They are tired of yelling “WHAT?” all the time. They want to preserve relationships with their closets friends and family members who are annoyed at having to repeat themselves constantly.
SSHL is different from typical hearing loss. How can you tell if you are experiencing sudden hearing loss? Answer the following two very easy questions to find out:
- Do I have wax build-up? If the answer is yes, then you do not suffer from SSHL. A quick otoscopic examination will determine if the answer is yes. Though it sounds disgusting, wax build-up is quite common and can cause what patients often perceive as sudden hearing loss.
- Was I able to hear one moment, and then not able to hear the next? Note the amount of time it took for you to lose your hearing. If it happened very quickly, you likely have SSHL, and you need to proceed to your audiologist for an emergency appointment.
Sure, you *could* possibly be turning into some sort of yet-unidentified super hero. However, chances are strong you have a medical condition that requires treatment.
The Great Mystery of Sudden Hearing Loss
Even though we live in modern times, there are still great mysteries to unearth. What really happened to Amelia Earhart? Why does the dental hygienist talk to you when she knows you can’t answer back? And where are all the single socks that go missing from the laundry? Very similarly, the causes of sudden hearing loss are still a mystery to audiologists and doctors.
A infection or circulatory issue can cause SSHL. It could be the first symptom of a chronic disease or a sign of an autoimmune condition. However, the origin of sudden hearing loss can be unknown to doctors. This makes it all the more important to treat the condition immediately.
If You Experience Sudden Hearing Loss
If you experience sudden hearing loss, contact us immediately for an emergency appointment. If left untreated for even a short period of time, sudden hearing loss can cause permanent and irreversible hearing loss. However, if treated immediately, your doctor may be able to preserve it.
Have questions? Contact us! We would love to help you!