Every year, more than 15,000 people in Germany suffer a hearing loss – a sudden loss of hearing. Most often, the hearing loss is confined to one ear, but it can also affect both ears. Hearing loss is often accompanied by ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Less commonly, dizziness and a feeling of pressure in the ear also occur.
Definition: what is a hearing loss?
In a hearing loss or ear infarction, sudden hearing problems and even complete deafness occur without any apparent cause. Usually, only one ear is affected. A hearing loss may be limited to a few frequencies or may affect all frequencies – so the severity varies from case to case. Hearing loss can occur at any age; however, children rarely experience hearing loss.
Causes of a hearing loss
There is still uncertainty about the exact causes of sudden hearing loss and how it develops. However, it is assumed that the blood supply in the inner ear is disturbed, so that the hearing cells can no longer function. It is assumed that the combination of several factors triggers such a circulatory disorder. Psychological causes and stress at work and in the family are considered to be the most likely factors. Other causes are also suspected, such as certain viruses that affect the hearing and balance nerves, or problems with the spine. Other triggers of impaired blood flow in the ear that may possibly be responsible for a hearing loss include the following:
- A previous middle ear infection
- Autoimmune diseases
- Embolisms
- An excessive consumption of nicotine
- A too high respectively too low blood pressure or blood pressure fluctuations
- A stroke
- An elevated cholesterol level
- Coagulation disorders or vascular changes as a result of heart disease or metabolic diseases such as diabetes
Hearing loss: symptoms and signs
The sudden and unilateral onset of hearing problems is characteristic of a hearing loss. The possible first sign of hearing loss is the feeling of pressure in the ear. In connection with this, many patients have a dull feeling like absorbent cotton in the ear and a furry feeling around the auricle, accompanied by hearing loss. The following symptoms are also typical of a hearing loss:
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Distorted hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing, whistling or noise in the ears).
- Cardiovascular complaints
Ear pain usually remain absent. Important in a hearing loss is that the affected person remains calm and does not aggravate the hearing loss by stress and excitement. He should also immediately consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of a hearing loss
When it comes to diagnosis and treatment, the sooner the better. In case of acute hearing loss as an urgent case, see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor quickly so that the necessary treatment is initiated in time. The doctor can distinguish a hearing loss from other possible causes of sudden hearing loss. These include, for example, noise trauma, diseases such as Meniere’s disease, shingles with ear involvement, or earwax plugs. At the beginning, the doctor will ask questions about the complaints, existing pre-existing conditions and medications to be taken. This is followed by an examination of the ear with an ear microscope and a hearing test (tuning fork test or tone audiometry). The sense of balance and blood pressure are also tested. Further examinations to determine the diagnosis may follow. This is because even though treatment is usually directed at a circulatory disorder, this is based only on an initial tentative diagnosis. Often, further diagnostic steps must follow.
Treatment: what to do in case of a hearing loss?
The proper course of action for treating a hearing loss is still controversial among physicians. However, there is agreement that treatment is usually necessary to minimize the risk of decreased hearing and chronic tinnitus. For some people, a hearing loss will heal on its own, but to be on the safe side, it should always be checked out by a doctor. Treatment for hearing loss is usually similar to treatment for acute ringing in the ears. Affected persons usually receive infusions or medications that promote blood circulation. This is intended to improve the blood supply to the inner ear.Cortisone is also often administered as an infusion, tablet or injection directly into the ear – especially if an inflammation is possibly the trigger behind the hearing loss. For the treatment of severe hearing loss, you will sometimes be referred to a hospital. In this way, you gain distance from work or family stress. It is better to refrain from smoking as well as sports that are extremely stressful for the body for a while.
A hearing loss is best treated with rest
After a hearing loss, it is essential that the person affected should allow himself plenty of rest and relaxation and avoid stress. Rest and positive thoughts promote the self-healing process. Pay more attention to your well-being. Especially if your hearing loss is due to occupational overwork and stress. To better cope with stressful situations in the future, learn a relaxation method. This can be, for example, autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen, yoga, Tai Chi or similar. For all patients there are therapeutic aids, special specialized clinics and self-help groups.
Prognosis for hearing loss
If treatment begins early, hearing can be fully restored in most cases. However, the course of a hearing loss, its duration and further prognosis can vary greatly. In many cases, the hearing loss resolves itself after a few days. However, it can never be predicted whether spontaneous healing will set in. Immediate medical treatment is therefore strongly recommended. In some cases, hearing loss remains after a hearing loss. Often, the use of hearing aids and, in the case of deafness, a cochlear implant can help. Sometimes tinnitus remains even after hearing is restored. Patients who do not counteract risk factors such as stress or high blood pressure after a hearing loss are particularly at risk for another hearing loss.
Preventing a hearing loss
Basically, you cannot directly prevent a hearing loss. However, the following tips can help reduce the risk of a hearing loss occurring:
- It is important not to be exposed to permanent stress and to give yourself regular rest breaks. Because this is not only good for your hearing, but for the whole body.
- Chronically ill people, such as diabetics or people with high blood pressure, should have regular checkups and contact a doctor immediately in case of complaints.
- Also in acute infections or a middle ear infection should go to the doctor to avert damage inside the ear.
- From cigarettes is better to leave the fingers, because nicotine not only promotes a hearing loss, but also brings numerous other health risks.
