What Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden Sesorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), or sudden deafness, is a rapid loss of hearing. Some people lose their hearing all at once, while others experience a loss of hearing over a period of up to three days. It can be diagnosed by a hearing test. Other symptoms can include a loud "pop" just before your hearing disappears, dizziness, or a ringing in the ears. A person who experiences sudden hearing loss should make a doctor's appointment immediately.
What are the causes of Sudden Hearing Loss?SSHL can be caused by a variety of other conditions, including:
- Infectious Diseases
- Trauma, such as a head injury
- Abnormal tissue growth
- Immunologic diseases such as Coogan's syndrome
- Toxic causes, such as snake bites
- Ototoxic drugs (drugs that harm the ear)
- Circulatory Problems
- Neurologic causes such as multiple sclerosis
- Relation to disorders such as Ménière's disease
The treatment and its success rate depends on the cause of sudden hearing loss. Please call us at (408) 227-6300 immediately to make an appointment.
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