2023-12-14 18:00:18
Hearing is a fundamental part of life because it allows us to appreciate all sounds. Unfortunately there are many problems related to this sense and one of the least talked about is the sudden deafness. For this reason, most people do not know the warning signs.
According to the WHO, there are around 430 million people with problems related to Hearing loss. Although the future outlook is not encouraging because it is estimated that by 2050 the figure will be more than 700 million individuals.
What is sudden deafness?
Hearing loss occurs at any age and affects the lives of people who suffer from it in various ways. Among the hearing disabilities, there is one that changes even more the daily routine of those who experience it, since it occurs unexpectedly, the sudden hearing loss or deafness.
In some cases the sudden hearing loss It is detected immediately, as hearing decreases drastically in a short time. One of the problems is that this condition can develop in less than 72 hours. The main characteristic is that it reduces the ability to hear by more than 30 decibels (dB) and regularly affects only one ear, which can lead to profound hearing loss that implies the inability to hear any type of sounds permanently.
The profound deafness It is the most common disability worldwide according to the Ministry of Health (SSa). Profound sensorineural hearing loss can limit language development and, therefore, educational, occupational, and social performance. Within this group are those who suffer from sudden deafness that usually goes unnoticed, since when distinguishing certain sounds with one of the ears it is possible that the affected person believes that the ear is “covered” and that it could be temporary.
Symptoms of sudden deafness
In certain cases people hear a loud sound just before lose hearing. In others, this damage is detected upon waking up or hearing loss is perceived in less than three days, since the cochlea cannot process sounds. This deterioration in hearing can be mild, moderate or profound.
“Sudden hearing loss affects the cochlea or the auditory nerve, which means that something is not working in the sensory organs of the inner ear, and it also causes an unexplained and rapid loss of hearing. It is important to receive specialized medical care in a timely manner, since this will give the patient a greater opportunity to receive treatments appropriate to each case. The most effective solutions to recover hearing ability in deep ear damage are: cochlear implants, bone conduction implants, or non-implantable solutions such as innovative technologies that improve the quality of life of patients through hearing,” he points out. Dr. Jimena Atuán Rodas, Audiologist and Clinical Support Manager MED-EL México.
Some causes behind sudden deafness
Blood circulation problems Severe pressure changes Head trauma Ototoxic medications Viral infections Autoimmune diseases Ménière’s disease
Little knowledge of this disorder can cause people who suffer from sudden deafness to believe that it will be temporary. The hearing loss It is permanent hearing damage and if not treated properly it can worsen. For this reason, it is important to go to a specialist when the first symptoms appear because only hearing health professionals can provide a timely diagnosis and give the best solutions to each patient.
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