Hearing loss: recognize symptoms and treat them correctly

Hearing loss can occur suddenly and severely limit hearing. Find out what symptoms occur with sudden hearing loss, what are the underlying causes and how the infarction in the ear is treated correctly.

Hearing loss: These symptoms occur

A sudden hearing loss is often also referred to as an infarction in the inner ear and is a sudden hearing loss, usually only in one ear, which can vary in severity. Those affected perceive a dull feeling in their ears and, for example, can only hear a little worse or not at all. At the same time, there is ringing in the ears, which can vary in intensity. Those affected do not have an earache, as is the case, for example, with a middle ear infection .

Other physical signs that indicate sudden hearing loss:

  • hearing loss
  • dizziness
  • Sensory disturbance in the outer ear
  • ear pressure
  • Tinnitus
  • Occurrence of symptoms without an identifiable cause
  • Seizure Occurrence
  • Symptoms are unilateral

If you suspect sudden hearing loss, you should consult an ENT doctor. Try to stay calm, extra stress can make symptoms worse. In more than half of all those affected, the symptoms subside on their own after a few hours.

Causes: How can sudden hearing loss occur?

There are no clear medical explanations as to how sudden hearing loss can occur. The fact is, however, that the blood supply to the inner ear is reduced in the event of sudden hearing loss . Stress, emotional tension or nicotine can promote circulatory disorders. Herpes and influenza viruses or bacteria, which can lead to hearing loss in the case of a middle ear infection or Lyme disease, are also suspected.

In principle, all age groups can suffer from sudden hearing loss. People who have heart disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes or who have had a stroke are more likely to be affected . As reported by Barmer Krankenversicherung , more than 150,000 people in Germany are affected by sudden hearing loss every year. It occurs more frequently in adults around the age of 50. Men and women are affected at about the same rate.

How can you treat sudden hearing loss?

Your ENT doctor can use an ear microscopy and a hearing test to find out whether it is a sudden hearing loss, determine the degree of hearing loss and exactly where the sudden hearing loss is in the ear. The earlier a sudden hearing loss is detected, the better the prognosis for healing and the restoration of hearing ability. Almost two-thirds of all patients make a full recovery. The remaining third may have hearing loss or ringing in the ears.

During treatment, it is crucial to promote blood circulation in the inner ear. This can be achieved by administering blood circulation-enhancing drugs. Cortisone preparations are often prescribed, which are anti-inflammatory and reduce the swelling in the ear.

Taking magnesium , which has a relaxing effect on the muscles and blood vessels, is also helpful. Natural ginkgo supplements also improve circulation and can be taken prophylactically to reduce the risk of recurrence. If the hearing loss is severe, apheresis , which removes substances from the blood that promote clotting, may be considered.

Hearing loss or tinnitus? Those are the differences

Hearing loss is not the same as tinnitus, even if the symptoms are very similar. Hearing loss is classified as a disease, tinnitus as a symptom. Tinnitus can herald sudden hearing loss and occur at the same time. While sudden hearing loss can be completely resolved, the ringing can remain in the ear. Then there is talk of chronic tinnitus.

How to prevent hearing loss

Basically, it can be stated that a healthy lifestyle protects you best against sudden hearing loss: Try to reduce stress. Relaxation exercises, regular exercise and especially yoga help to become more relaxed. Also avoid noise pollution in everyday life. If possible, avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine and drink at least 2 liters of water a day to stimulate blood circulation.

Also interesting for you: Music helps against tinnitus

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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