Sudden deafness of unclear origin

Sudden deafness of unclear origin is a term referring to the sudden occurrence of partial or complete hearing loss in one ear for no apparent reason (e.g. high-intensity noise, medications damaging hearing, ear or head injury, inflammatory ear diseases, viral diseases, strong, sudden mental stress, etc.).

What is sudden hearing loss of unclear origin?

This is a condition that appears suddenly and is characterized by sudden partial or complete loss of hearing in one or both ears, for no particular reason. Sudden hearing loss is probably caused by disorders that arise in the inner ear's blood vessels. These abnormalities may be due to vascular or vasoconstriction. The consequence is the hypoxia of the sensory cells of the hearing organ and the dysfunction of its function, which manifests itself in a deafness. Sudden hearing loss of unclear origin can be a reversible state. It is important to apply the anticoagulant preparations as soon as possible, which expand the vessels, for this purpose the patient should be in the hospital as soon as possible.

Causes of sudden deafness of unclear origin

Sudden deafness of unclear origin occurs among the symptoms of full health and without signs preceding. It is assumed (as already mentioned above) that such hearing loss is most likely caused by disorders arising in the particularly sensitive blood vessels of the inner ear. Risk factors may also include diseases associated with ear diseases, including:

• otosclerosis,
• head injuries (direct - high voltage impact, lightning, acoustic and intermediate trauma - cervical dislocation),
• prolonged exposure to noise,
• hearing loss with genetic basis,
• chronic ear inflammation,
• viral damage (measles, mumps, shingles, ear shingles).

Symptoms of sudden deafness of unclear origin

A person who has had a sudden loss of hearing complains about:

• dizziness,
• feeling of closing the ear,
• feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the ear,
• fullness in the ear,
• Tinnitus,
• sometimes balance disorders,
• squeaks in ears (rarely).

If you have these symptoms, do not hesitate and go to the doctor as soon as possible. Quick diagnosis and implementation of appropriate treatment can save you from total deafness.

Sudden deafness of unclear origin - recognition

Patients who have symptoms indicating significant hearing impairment should consult a physician. The specialist will conduct an otolaryngological examination and general research. In order to be 100% sure that sudden deafness occurred, audiology diagnostics should be performed:

• impedance audiometry test;
• test of tonal audiometry.

However, imaging examinations used in the diagnosis of sudden deafness are computed tomography of the head and magnetic resonance with contrast (in justified cases).

Treatment of sudden deafness of unclear origin

In the treatment of sudden deafness, preparations are used to improve microcirculation and drugs that inhibit platelet aggregation and affect clotting. Some patients may need anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, antiviral and even hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Patients with very deep hearing loss are indications for direct delivery into the tympanic cavity.

One group of drugs of great importance are steroids, which are administered either into the tympanic cavity or generally. The second group of drugs are preparations that dilate and suppress vasoconstriction. In addition, patients who are prone to congestion in the course of cardiac arrhythmias or thrombophlebitis of the lower limb veins should be additionally given anticoagulant preparations.

In addition, in the treatment of sudden deafness, the following are also recommended:

• neuroprotective drugs,
• B vitamins,
• magnesium,
• anti-inflammatory drugs.

Important! The application of preparations to the tympanic cavity is important in weight-bearing patients who cannot take steroids in general, e.g. due to diabetes or hypertension. Hospitalization of patients with sudden deafness lasts about 7 days.

Prognosis in sudden deafness

It all depends on the cause and symptoms and accompanying diseases. For example, dizziness may be a symptom of concern as well as diabetes or vascular diseases. Hearing is a very important sense organ, so you should consult a physician as soon as possible, who will implement the right type of treatment and protect the patient from permanent total hearing loss.

Worse prognosis occurs in patients in whom sudden deafness has attacked entire frequency bands and, additionally, there are imbalances. Adverse factors significantly reducing good prognosis include:

• diabetes,
• hypertension,
• tendency to congestion and thrombosis,
• patient's age (especially older),
• too late diagnosis and treatment (the optimal time to report to the doctor and start treatment is about 24 hours).