Sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss is a disease where there is a sudden deterioration or loss of hearing without knowing the cause.

Signs of sudden hearing loss

 * sudden deterioration to loss of hearing without apparent cause,
 * it is often accompanied by tinnitus and possibly rotational dizziness.

Etiology

 * unknown ,
 * it is probably ischemia of the inner ear in the basin of the a. labyrinthi (spasm, embolism, thrombosis),
 * a viral infection is less often considered.

Occurrence

 * it affects all age groups, it is rare in children.

Investigation

 * on the audiogram – perceptual hearing impairment of varying degrees,
 * according to other examinations (BERA, otoacoustic emissions) it is a cochlear disorder,
 * the disability is usually unilateral.

Therapy

 * empirical – administration of vasodilator substances, nootropics, vit. B, corticoids ...

Forecast

 * uncertain, if hearing does not improve within 10 days after starting therapy, it will not improve.