Suddenly, a “beep” sound came from one ear… Suspected sudden hearing loss

by times news cr

2024-04-27 07:14:03

Hearing loss/permanent loss in 60-70% of patients
Treatment must be received within 3 months after hearing loss occurs.

ⓒNewsis

Suddenly, one ear becomes deaf and no sound is heard. I hear a ‘beep’ sound and my nerves get tense. This is a typical symptom of ‘sudden hearing loss.’ Sudden hearing loss refers to hearing loss of 30 decibels or more at 3 or more frequencies within 3 days through a pure tone hearing test.

According to the medical community on the 27th, sudden hearing loss is often caused by a combination of several factors. It is most common in people in their 30s to 50s. It is often accompanied by tinnitus, a ringing sound in the ears, or dizziness.

Since it occurs suddenly, the exact cause is unclear. Medical scientists assume that viral infections or vascular disorders are the main causes, but in some patients, autoimmune diseases, auditory nerve tumors, and Meniere’s disease can also be factors.

Treatment for sudden hearing loss proceeds by excluding possible causes one by one. Determine the direction of the ear where the hearing loss occurred, when it occurred, whether there are accompanying symptoms such as dullness, tinnitus, or dizziness, whether there are other ear diseases such as otitis media, and other underlying diseases. Afterwards, the eardrum is examined and a hearing test is performed to determine the pattern and degree of hearing loss. There is a possibility that hearing loss is due to other causes, so the decision is made based on the results of the examination and examination.

Medical treatment using oral steroids or blood circulation improvers is common for the treatment of sudden hearing loss of unknown cause. Depending on the presumed cause or symptoms, steroid injection directly into the eardrum or surgical treatment may also be considered. All treatments are conducted with a hearing test and observation of the treatment progress.

Because the cause of sudden hearing loss is unknown, there is no specific prevention method. However, if you have an underlying disease, it may be difficult to treat sudden hearing loss, so you must pay attention to your daily health.

It is best to improve the prognosis (treatment course) and reduce the possibility of complications by quitting smoking and drinking, as well as regular exercise. Additionally, regularly disinfecting and keeping the earphones clean to prevent otitis externa can also help prevent sudden hearing loss.

Choi Jun, a professor of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery at Korea University Ansan Hospital, said, “Approximately 30 to 40% of patients with sudden hearing loss regain normal hearing, but the remaining 60 to 70% experience hearing loss or permanent loss.”

He said, “If 1 to 3 months have passed since the onset of hearing loss, the effectiveness of treatment is very low, so if you have difficulty hearing or experience tinnitus or dizziness, you must find a specialist as soon as possible and begin treatment to preserve your hearing.”

[서울=뉴시스]

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2024-04-27 07:14:03

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