An acute hearing loss occurs suddenly, usually no exact cause can be determined. We explain which hearing loss treatment helps against discomfort.
Surgeon overview
In a sudden loss of hearing , there is a sudden, usually one-sided hearing loss, without that exact causes are identified. Why it arises is not fully understood, but there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood. In most cases, the hearing loss, which incidentally arises in the inner ear, heals without consequences. Nevertheless, one should always visit the ENT specialist for acute hearing loss treatment to clarify the symptoms – otherwise there may be a risk of permanent tinnitus (ear noises) or deafness.
Cervical treatment: What does the doctor do?
Therapy for sudden hearing loss should always be determined by the doctor to protect our hearing in the long term. In many cases, there is inflammation in the ear, which is why usually decongestant and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of cortisone are used in the treatment . Since the causes are usually unclear, the therapy is usually about alleviating the symptoms.
Important: It is far from every possibility for hearing loss treatment paid by the health insurance. Each patient should therefore seek advice from the doctor, which therapy is useful.
Other possibilities of hearing loss treatment
Stress is one of the major risk factors in hearing loss – so patients are often on sick leave to recover from the symptoms . In addition to rest, sufferers should stop smoking. There are other treatments, but their benefits are controversial or unproven. These include:
- Other medicines: Antiviral drugs are still offered on a sudden basis in a hearing loss, but studies could prove no benefit. The same applies to vasodilator or circulation-promoting drugs – efficacy records in the case of acute hearing loss are missing here, in addition, the means may even cause side effects.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: In a special pressure chamber, the patient inhales pure oxygen – this is intended to improve hearing. Again, the effect of hearing loss is controversial.
How long does the hearing loss treatment take?
There is no blanket statement about when the acute hearing loss is over: Mild cases often spontaneously settle spontaneously after a few days, but a severe hearing loss can also lead to lifelong hearing loss.