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How’s your hearing: Audiologist warns of sudden hearing loss signs

Thu, Feb 22nd 2024, 09:45 AM
Health

Are you suffering from consistent ringing in the ear, are your ears feeling clogged like they need to pop, or do you experience dizziness?

These symptoms, viewed by some as merely an annoyance, are associated with sudden hearing loss and it’s not uncommon for patients to delay seeking treatment, according to audiologist Dr Treasure McKinney.

“I've seen numerous patients affected by this. For many, a significant hearing loss, typically in one ear, is often discovered too late,” said the health care professional who diagnoses, manages and treats ear problems at Bahama Hearing Clinic in the Harbour Bay Medical Centre.

“Many times, the hearing loss is usually to a degree where they cannot depend on that ear for proper speech comprehension. For instance, a patient might not understand telephone conversations using that ear.”

In 90 percent of cases, the cause of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) is unknown.

“A sudden decline in hearing, usually within 72 hours, is more often than not a medical emergency. Many people believe that the issue may be blockage from earwax or perhaps sinus issues. Even if it turns out to be something minor, it’s better to have this confirmed,” Dr McKinney advised.

That’s because the window for the best outcome in treating hearing loss is usually within a week of symptoms onset. Even then, recovery could be partial, full, or no recovery of hearing at all. In some cases, recovery may also occur spontaneously.

This month, the World Health Organization reported over five percent of the world’s population, 430 million people, require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss –hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear.

In the case of SSHL, the typical course of treatment is corticosteroids, which help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

If there is residual hearing loss, a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or CROS system (which routes sounds from the poor ear over to the better hearing ear) could be recommended, depending on the severity of the problem.

Other variables contributing to recovery include age, degree of hearing loss, presence of vertigo and how quickly treatment is administered.

“From an audiological perspective, having SSHL will cause issues with localizing sounds, understanding speech in noise and may cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It is vital to address this issue promptly as it not only causes hearing difficulties but affects the patient's emotional well-being and quality of life,” said Dr McKinney.

“If there is a drastic change to one's hearing over a short period, it's important to see an audiologist to assess the hearing and an ENT physician to treat the hearing loss medically, as soon as possible.”

Among those older than 60 years, over 25 percent are affected by disabling hearing loss. Research shows age-related hearing loss, if left untreated, can take its toll on physical and mental health.

Dr McKinney’s goal is to build awareness of the importance of hearing care and to help reduce stigma and misconceptions associated with hearing loss and treatment.
“You want to take precautions to protect your hearing. Ideally, you want to get people to screen,” she said.

“Presently, in The Bahamas, when it comes to the adult population, we only focus on treatment, which in many cases are hearing aids when the damage has already been done. We tend to overlook prevention, protecting the hearing you already have, which makes a huge difference.”

Are you suffering from consistent ringing in the ear, are your ears feeling clogged like they need to pop, or do you experience dizziness?
These symptoms, viewed by some as merely an annoyance, are associated with sudden hearing loss and it’s not uncommon for patients to delay seeking treatment, according to audiologist Dr Treasure McKinney.
“I've seen numerous patients affected by this. For many, a significant hearing loss, typically in one ear, is often discovered too late,” said the health care professional who diagnoses, manages and treats ear problems at Bahama Hearing Clinic in the Harbour Bay Medical Centre.
“Many times, the hearing loss is usually to a degree where they cannot depend on that ear for proper speech comprehension. For instance, a patient might not understand telephone conversations using that ear.”
In 90 percent of cases, the cause of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) is unknown.
“A sudden decline in hearing, usually within 72 hours, is more often than not a medical emergency. Many people believe that the issue may be blockage from earwax or perhaps sinus issues. Even if it turns out to be something minor, it’s better to have this confirmed,” Dr McKinney advised.
That’s because the window for the best outcome in treating hearing loss is usually within a week of symptoms onset. Even then, recovery could be partial, full, or no recovery of hearing at all. In some cases, recovery may also occur spontaneously.
This month, the World Health Organization reported over five percent of the world’s population, 430 million people, require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss –hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear.
In the case of SSHL, the typical course of treatment is corticosteroids, which help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
If there is residual hearing loss, a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or CROS system (which routes sounds from the poor ear over to the better hearing ear) could be recommended, depending on the severity of the problem.
Other variables contributing to recovery include age, degree of hearing loss, presence of vertigo and how quickly treatment is administered.
“From an audiological perspective, having SSHL will cause issues with localizing sounds, understanding speech in noise and may cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It is vital to address this issue promptly as it not only causes hearing difficulties but affects the patient's emotional well-being and quality of life,” said Dr McKinney.
“If there is a drastic change to one's hearing over a short period, it's important to see an audiologist to assess the hearing and an ENT physician to treat the hearing loss medically, as soon as possible.”
Among those older than 60 years, over 25 percent are affected by disabling hearing loss. Research shows age-related hearing loss, if left untreated, can take its toll on physical and mental health.
Dr McKinney’s goal is to build awareness of the importance of hearing care and to help reduce stigma and misconceptions associated with hearing loss and treatment.
“You want to take precautions to protect your hearing. Ideally, you want to get people to screen,” she said.
“Presently, in The Bahamas, when it comes to the adult population, we only focus on treatment, which in many cases are hearing aids when the damage has already been done. We tend to overlook prevention, protecting the hearing you already have, which makes a huge difference.”
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