{"id":24846,"date":"2021-05-04T19:59:30","date_gmt":"2021-05-04T23:59:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elevateaudiology.fm1.dev\/?p=24846"},"modified":"2021-05-05T18:17:02","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T22:17:02","slug":"sudden-sensorineural-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elevateaudiology.com\/sudden-sensorineural-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).<\/p>

What is Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>

Sudden deafness is defined as a hearing reduction of 30 dB or greater over three contiguous frequencies, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less. Ninety percent of cases result in unilateral (single-sided) hearing loss<\/a>, which may be accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus.<\/p>

The severity of the hearing loss varies. Some patients recover completely and without medical intervention in just a few days. Others find their symptoms improve gradually over a couple of weeks. Fifteen percent of those who experience sudden deafness will have hearing loss that worsens over time.<\/p>

Who Develops Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>

Experts estimate that about one to six per every 5,000 people experience sudden deafness every year, although some suspect this number is much higher as the condition often goes undiagnosed.<\/p>

People of all ages can develop sudden deafness. Most often, it affects adults in their late 40s and early 50s.<\/p>

What Causes Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>

There are over 100 possible causes for SSHL. These include:<\/p>