What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss/Sudden Deafness? (Slideshow)

This week we answer your questions on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), commonly known as Sudden Deafness:

– What is SSNHL?
– Will my hearing come back?
– What happens if I can’t make a full recovery?

To find out more about our audiologist, partner Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctors, or services, click the link to contact us today.

Slide 1: What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
Slide 2: It is a sudden hearing loss which occured within a 72 hour period.
Slide 3: It is sensorineural (nerve hearing loss) and caused by damage to the hearing organ or nerve
Slide 4: SSNHL usually occurs in one ear.
Slide 5: And some people may also experience dizziness, tinnitus or ringing in the ears and feeling the need to “pop” the ears
Slide 6: SSNHL is diagnosed after a complete physical examination and hearing test.
Slide 7: Will my hearing come back?
Slide 8: Half of SSNHL patients will receive some hearing even without treatment.
Slide 9: However if you seek treatment with a Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctor IMMEDIATELY, you may have a better chance of recovery.
Slide 10: Especially if you have a mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and undergo steriod therapy,
Slide 11: you have a 75-80% chance of receovery.
Slide 12: If you have: (1) Lost your hearing completely, (2) Experience dizziness, (3) Are over 65 years old. Your chances of recovery are lower
Slide 13: Hence doctors may use more aggressive forms of treatment.
Slide 14: It can take 6 weeks or longer for your hearing to get better.
Slide 15: What happens if I can’t make a full recovery?
Slide 16: Sudden hearing loss can be frightening.
Slide 17: And you may feel embarrassed, frustrated, lonely or depressed.
Slide 18: Talking with a counselor may be helpful.
Slide 19: If you have tinnitus (ringing in the ear), it is usually loud and awful in the beginning.
Slide 20: Don’t worry, it may reduce over a few month. Especially if you start to recover your hearing.
Slide 21: You can also consult an audiologist for hearing solutions and coping strategies. Such as hearing aids, contralateral routing of signal (CROS) devices, cochlear implants and communication strategies.
Slide 22: If you have been diagnosed with SSNHL, you should go for regular hearing tests to monitor your hearing.