Q&A

Subject: Sudden hearing loss

From: SP

I would like to know if there are any avenues that we should take in regards to my husband’s sudden hearing loss in his right ear. He woke up to find that he couldn't hear from his right ear about 3 1/2 months ago. We belong to a health maintenance organization, Kaiser, and have had two MRI's that show that there is no medical reason for the hearing impairment. He was treated for a possible ear infection the first week, then put on a week of steroids. Of course this was 3 months ago now.

Are there any medical treatments or devices to help assist with his hearing. My husband is 35 years old and we have 3 children. He hears a constant ringing and says it would be better if his ear was completely silenced. He hears no auditory, verbal spoken sounds. He is a lot more irritable since little noises effect him so much more. Is there anything we could or should do.

Sincerely, SP

Dear SP,

You folks have done exactly the right thing...consulted an ear doctor to help determine the cause of the sudden hearing loss. The MRIs have helped to rule out the possibility of an acoustic nerve tumor as the cause of the sudden change in his hearing. Other possibilities include such things as high cholesterol levels which create build up of plaque in the blood vessels to the ear. Management of the cholesterol and the use of medications to thin the blood and improve circulation are some of the treatments used in these cases. In other instances, viral infections are located in the inner ear (the nerve portion) and cause sudden changes in hearing function. Again, the doctors usually use steroids (as you have already been advised), blood thinners and blood vessel dilators to improve circulation.

In yet other instances, they believe that the problem is caused by a "vascular spasm." I must confess that, as an audiologist, I am not sure I am clear on what this is, but it is a diagnosis given on some of our patients. In all instances, immediate treatment usually gives the best chance for at least partial recovery of hearing function. The fact that it has now been three months since the problem began is not particularly encouraging. Kaiser has a reputation for providing pretty comprehensive care and good access to specialists. With no significant improvement to date, you might ask your doctor what other treatments are options at this point and consider asking for a second opinion to get another perspective.

The ringing that he experiences is called "tinnitus" and is typically a symptom of nerve damage. In much the same way that skin injuries cause itching and throbbing from problems with nerves of touch, the ear, when under stress, has the spontaneous firing of auditory nerves which as perceived as sounds in the pitch range most greatly affected. Many people find that the tinnitus gradually diminishes or may even disappear so there is hope on that front. The University of Maryland in Baltimore has a special diagnostic and therapy program for folks with tinnitus. You may want to consider contacting them for advice.

Good luck. I hope things clear up.
Solveig