Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is defined as a hearing loss of at least of 30 decibels at three connected frequencies. The symptom may occur rapidly or within a  three days period. In 90 % of all cases, the condition affects only one ear.

The severity  varies from one patient to another. This type is more profound than conductive hearing loss, and it usually affects only certain frequencies. Even when wearing a hearing aid the person affected by sensorineural hearing loss may still have great difficulty in hearing certain sounds.

Causes of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss:

Though there are 100 possible causes of sudden deafness but only 10 to 15 percent of patients with SSHL know what caused it. Some of the possible causes include:

• Bacterial (e.g. meningitis and syphilis) and
• Viral (e.g. mumps, cytomegalovirus, or varicella) infection
• Circulatory problems, inner ear problem like relation to disorder such as Meneire’s disease
• Neoplastic, traumatic, metabolic, neurological causes such as multiple sclerosis
• Trauma such as head injury, immunologic disease such as Cogan’s syndrome
• Toxic causes such as snake bite, ototoxic drugs, and other unknown causes.

Diagnosis

Evaluation usually begins with careful study of patient’s history and by physical examination looking for potential infectious causes and exposure to ototoxic drugs. In essence, SHL is diagnosed by documenting a recent decline in hearing. This generally requires an audiogram. Blood samples are also taken for detecting presence of other disease such as syphilis, Lyme disease, and circulatory disorder.

Treatment

Due to lack of definite cause its treatment is controversial. Over the years it has included systemic steroids, antiviral medications, vasodilators, carbogen therapy, either (alone or combination) or no treatment at all.

Lately  liquid colloidal silver as a treament for hearing loss has been recommended by many people who have found it to be very effective

Another natural treatment that has proven to be effective in many cases is EFT. Click here for further information

Author: Pauline Go

Pauline Go is an online leading expert in medical industry. She also offers top quality articles like: Trends In Nursing Home and Treatments Hearing Loss.

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