Sudden Deafness May Require A Visit To A Hearing Center

Aug 7
09:50

2012

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Sometimes the causes of deafness are not what we expect. That is why it is vital to rush yourself or a loved one to a hearing center if sudden hearing loss occurs.

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Most of us take our sense of sound for granted. Although most people expect some hearing loss as they age,Sudden Deafness May Require A Visit To A Hearing Center Articles they still expect to be able to hear the world around them for the vast majority of their lives. Unfortunately, sudden hearing loss can strike for a variety of reasons and may require an emergency visit to a hearing center for assessment.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder that involves an excess of fluid in the ear. It has many uncomfortable symptoms, such as vertigo, migraines, and tinnitus. However, one of the most severe effects of the disease is hearing loss. This can happen gradually, on and off, but can become severe and permanent as the disease progresses. At this point, a hearing center can provide the sufferer with an auditory aid or inner ear implant to help.

Cogan's Syndrome

The autoimmune disease Cogan's syndrome is another misfortune that can rob people of their senses of sight and hearing. The syndrome causes swelling of certain parts of the eyes and ears, which manifests itself in vision and/or hearing loss. Many cases can be treated with steroid therapy to reduce the inflammation, which is what causes the blockage of the ear canal. If the case was severe enough to cause permanent damage, implants in the cochlea may be able to help.

Injury

Head trauma from a car crash, work accident or assault can result in sudden and permanent hearing loss. In the case of physical damage, it can either be the delicate inner structures of the ear that were harmed or the brain. If the brainstem was damaged, the person may suffer from full loss because even though the ears may function normally, the signals will not be interpreted properly by the brain.

Acoustic Neuroma

Another brainstem malady that affects hearing is acoustic neuroma. This is when tumors develop on the brain and disable the brain's ability to interpret sound signals. This disorder is somewhat common, and the tumor or tumors can usually be removed to restore auditory ability. The hearing center should be able to detect these tumors with a brain scan, and a specialist called a neurotologist will be arranged to remove them surgically.

Foolishness

If you have been lucky enough not to encounter any of these misfortunes, do not go about causing deafness yourself. Sometimes the seemingly harmless activity of cleaning out your ears with a cotton swab can result in partial deafness and panic. Although most packages state that the instruments are intended for use outside the ears, most people who buy them do so specifically for the purpose of cleaning out their ears. Ask anyone who works in a hearing center or even an emergency room how often they see people come in for cotton swab injuries and you will be surprised at how often people seriously injure themselves.