Sudden hearing loss occurs when the patient experiences a sudden loss of hearing usually in one of the two ears. In the majority it manifests itself instantly or within 72 hours and presents a hearing loss of at least 30 decibels (dB) in three consecutive audiometric frequencies. The extent of sudden hearing loss varies, as it can be either mild or cause total deafness. In many cases, tinnitus and vertigo may be present at the same time. Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, and requires immediate medical attention. Intratympanic injections for the treatment of sudden hearing loss are the recommended method of treatment in most cases.

Sudden hearing loss: Causes & Symptoms

This condition is mostly idiopathic, as usually there is no evident cause that provoked it. Various theories have been proposed regarding the etiology of the condition, however there is no exact explanation. Infectious diseases, head injuries, disorders of blood flow to the ears, a tumor asking pressure on the auditory nerve, diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Meniere’s syndrome may act as aggravating factors for sudden hearing loss. It occurs with equal frequency in people of both sexes aged 40 and over. Symptoms of sudden hearing loss include acute hearing loss in one ear, a feeling of fullness inside the ear, tinnitus and vertigo, ear pain or facial numbness.

Sudden hearing loss: Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of sudden hearing loss, ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou obtains a detailed history of the patient, taking all the information about the hearing loss and the symptoms that accompany it. This is followed by a clinical examination by checking the area of the ear with an otoscope, while the area of ​​the nose, pharynx and larynx is examined at the same time. A complete audiological evaluation is carried out with speech and tone audiometry, check of auditory reflexes and an electronystagmogram in case of vertigo. At the same time, an examination is carried out with auditory evoked brainstem potentials. For a complete diagnostic check, it is also recommended to carry out blood tests and an MRI.

Sudden hearing loss: Conservative treatment

Regarding the treatment of the condition, in some cases the symptoms resolve automatically without treatment. However, this specific condition is important to be addressed immediately with appropriate treatment. The administration of corticosteroid medications is the recommended treatment method, which are usually administered in pill form or intravenously and work by reducing inflammation. However, intratympanic injections for the treatment of sudden hearing loss are the most effective method of treatment.

Intratympanic injections for the treatment of sudden hearing loss: Process

Intratympanic injections to treat sudden hearing loss involve injecting cortisone into the middle ear. It is indicated for the case of patients who cannot receive cortisone in pill form or intravenously. This procedure is a form of microsurgery using local anesthesia. Otomicroscopy is performed using a special ear endoscope, during which the tympanic membrane is punctured with a lumbar puncture syringe. Then, cortisone is injected in a targeted way into the tympanic cavity. In this way, the accumulation of cortisone in the area of ​​the cochlea is achieved, for effective treatment of the condition. In case of severe hearing loss, the combination of cortisone in pill form with intratympanic injections is recommended to treat sudden hearing loss.