A sudden change in your hearing is alarming. If you awake and the world sounds muffled or dead then seek medical attention. Hearing loss is an unfortunate part of life but a sudden change needs medical care. Knowing why your hearing has changed can help you to address the problem as soon as possible.
Earwax Buildup and Blockages
A common cause of a sudden decline in sound is a blockage. Wax is a naturally occurring substance to protect the inner workings of the canal. This can solidify and form a physical barrier to sound waves. If you think you have a severe blockage visit an ear doctor staten island to have it removed. Home cleaning with cotton swabs generally results in the blockage moving further into the ear, and permanently damaging the eardrum. Medical extraction quickly clears the ear without causing damage and restores hearing.
Severe and Untreated Infections
Another common cause of sudden hearing problems is infection. Both viral and bacterial infections can lead to a large amount of fluid filling the middle ear cavity, behind the eardrum. The heavy fluid blocks the eardrum’s normal vibration in response to sound. A severe infection can also cause severe pain and a sense of pressure. The fluid will clear and the infection will be cured with the right medical care (antibiotics). Once the infection clears up and the inflammation settles down your hearing should return to normal without complications.
Exposure to Extremely Loud Noises
Acoustic trauma occurs when you are exposed to an extreme single noise such as an explosion or gunshot. This sudden loud sound can destroy the hairs in your inner ear. Acoustic trauma can even cause the eardrum to rupture. This can be associated with a loud persistent ringing in the ear (called tinnitus). And while temporary damage through noise exposure may be repaired in a few days severe acoustic trauma may result in loss of hearing, which must be managed and accommodated for throughout the person’s lifespan.
Sensorineural Issues and Viruses
Sometimes a loss of hearing occurs without obvious trauma or obstruction. Sensorineural hearing loss can come on very quickly in a matter of hours. Health practitioners believe this frightening condition is often the result of viruses that damage the fragile inner ear nerve. Insufficient blood flow to the sensory organs is also strongly suspected as a cause of this particular condition. Since the underlying cause may be unknown prompt medical treatment is essential. Early treatment with medications that contain specialized steroids can decrease the internal inflammation and help patients to regain full hearing function.
Conclusion
Any sudden change in your ability to hear should be treated as an alarm bell. Whether it’s a simple blockage or an intricate viral infection working rapidly is critical to maintaining your essential functions. Postponing medical treatment greatly diminishes the likelihood of a full physical recovery. Always take care of your hearing by seeing a doctor as soon as you suspect a serious problem. Proactively seeking treatment will help keep your delicate auditory system in good health and working at its peak for many years to come.
