$Unique_ID{BRK01417}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Is it Possible to Have a Sudden Loss of Hearing?}
$Subject{ears hearing loss}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Ear*0003301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it Possible to Have a Sudden Loss of Hearing?


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QUESTION:  I know that as you grow older, you may gradually lose some of your
ability to hear.  But I am now concerned about my sister who has reported a
sudden loss of hearing.  I didn't believe that it was possible, and I would
like to know how serious this might be and what are the chances for treating
it.  Would you please help?

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ANSWER:  Yes, it is possible.  As frightening as that answer may sound, the
good news is that the majority of people who experience sudden hearing
loss--people between the ages of 15 and 60--regain their hearing within one
month's time!  Often the loss is spontaneous but it can also happen over a
24-hour period.  After reporting a loss of this type to a doctor, a patient is
evaluated to find the degree of hearing loss and then the doctor will try to
rule out various possible causes.  There are more than 100 causes of sudden
hearing loss, including wax or fluid buildup, a foreign object in the ear
canal, respiratory viruses, mumps, diabetes, syphilis, trauma, and Meniere's
Syndrome.  Despite all the doctor's hard work, in the vast sum of cases
reported, the cause is never found.  Every year about 5 to 20 cases per
100,000 people occur.  Forty-five percent of patients regain their
pre-existing level of hearing and 16 percent regain partial recovery.  The
word for you and your sister is "patience", mixed with a bit of courage, and a
helping of good fortune.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
