What Causes Sudden Deafness?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a hearing loss greater than 30 decibels in three contiguous pure-tone frequencies that occurs within three days. This type of deafness is most commonly unilateral (affecting one ear), though bilateral cases are rare. Symptoms often include:

• Muffled or faint sound perception.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

If left untreated, sudden deafness may lead to permanent hearing loss. Early diagnosis by an ENT doctor near you, like Dr. Pinaki Mazumder in Kolkata, significantly improves outcomes.

What Causes Sudden Deafness?

While 90% of SSNHL cases are idiopathic, several potential causes have been identified, including:

1. Viral Infections: Viruses such as herpes simplex can cause inflammation in the cochlea (viral cochleitis), disrupting hearing function. Post-viral infections like the flu are also linked to SSNHL.
2. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system attacks inner ear cells, causing swelling or blood flow blockages.
3. Vascular Events: Blockages or reduced blood flow to the inner ear due to conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
4. Acoustic Trauma or Neuromas: Sudden exposure to loud noise or the presence of tumors near the auditory nerve can result in hearing loss.
5. Other Causes:
   • Lyme disease.
   • Multiple sclerosis.
   • Ototoxic medications.

Regardless of the cause, a visit to a top ENT specialist in Kolkata, like Dr. Mazumder, can provide clarity and initiate treatment immediately.

Diagnosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)

Proper diagnosis requires:

• Audiometric Testing: Determines the severity of hearing loss.
• MRI Scans: Identifies structural issues like neuromas or other abnormalities.
• Blood and Balance Tests: Helps rule out infections, autoimmune diseases, or vascular issues.

Dr. Mazumder’s vertigo and deafness clinic in Kolkata offers comprehensive diagnostic services to ensure no underlying cause is missed.

Treatment Options for Sudden Deafness

Early treatment is critical for recovery. Delay in intervention often results in poor prognosis. Common treatments include:

1. Corticosteroids:

• Oral or Parenteral Steroids: Traditional methods, though systemic delivery may not reach the inner ear in sufficient quantities.
• Intratympanic Steroid Injections: Administered endoscopically, this method delivers higher steroid concentrations directly to the inner ear fluids. Typically, 3–4 injections are spaced over 3–7 days.

2. Hearing Aids or Implants:

If hearing recovery is incomplete, devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants can improve quality of life.

3. Alternative Treatments:

Diatrizoate meglumine or hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered in certain cases.

Dr. Pinaki Mazumder, a renowned otolaryngologist near you, specializes in administering intratympanic injections, making Vivekananda ENT Clinic a trusted destination for SSNHL treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Treatment must be started within two weeks of the onset of SSNHL for optimal results. Beyond this window, recovery rates diminish significantly. Patients with diabetes or other conditions where systemic steroids are contraindicated can benefit exclusively from intratympanic steroid injections at Dr. Mazumder’s clinic.

Who is at Risk for Sudden Deafness?

Sudden deafness is more common in individuals aged 45–55 and equally affects men and women. Common risk factors include:

• Viral or bacterial infections.
• Autoimmune conditions.
• Vascular disorders like diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you suspect SSNHL, don’t delay in consulting a vertigo specialist in Kolkata for expert care.

When Should You Visit an ENT Specialist?

You should consult an ENT doctor in Kolkata if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden or rapid loss of hearing.
• Persistent dizziness or vertigo.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear.

Dr. Mazumder, a top ENT specialist in Kolkata, is renowned for his expertise in diagnosing and treating sudden deafness and related disorders.

Why Choose Vivekananda ENT Clinic?

At Vivekananda ENT Clinic, Kolkata, we provide:

• Expert Care: Led by Dr. Pinaki Mazumder, a trusted ENT specialist.
• Advanced Diagnostics: State-of-the-art testing for hearing and balance disorders.
• Specialized Treatments: Intratympanic steroid injections and personalized care plans.

Conveniently located in Kolkata, Vivekananda ENT Clinic is the go-to destination for individuals searching for “ENT doctor near me” or “vertigo and deafness clinic.”