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Currently, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or simply called “sudden deafness”, is a condition where hearing suddenly decreases from the original level. The exact cause cannot be identified, and there are no warning symptoms beforehand. It occurs abruptly, such as waking up with one ear feeling muffled or hearing loss progressing to complete deafness without any preceding cause. It can happen to people of all genders and ages, but most at risk are adults, with males and females having about the same incidence rate.
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Sudden deafness has no definite cause but usually occurs in the inner ear. Several factors can be identified, such as infections, tumors, or ischemia in the inner ear. The inner ear is a very small organ, and its blood vessels are also very small. Therefore, when ischemia occurs, it can lead to sudden deafness.
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Blood tests to check for inflammation or infection, such as syphilis, may reveal sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Brainstem nerve tests may be needed to check for tumors on the nerve. Sometimes tumors grow gradually; when small, they usually do not affect hearing, but as they grow, they can compress the auditory nerve. Other blood tests may also be done, such as for high blood lipids, blood viscosity, or other unclear causes.
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Since sudden deafness occurs in the inner ear, it cannot be examined or seen directly Doctors must investigate various causes, which may include blood tests, CT scans, or basic hearing tests. If no clear cause is found, it may be due to infection. Doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and assume the cause is inflammation of the inner ear.
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<h2>Sudden deafness&#8230; can it be treated? 
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After initial cause investigation, doctors will consider treatment based on the severity of the condition. Some patients have sudden deafness but not complete deafness; some only experience hearing loss like hearing impairment, while others are completely deaf. 
If the condition is mild, initially doctors will prescribe oral medication and explain to patients that treatment results are not guaranteed because the exact cause is unknown. Oral medication aims to reduce inflammation inside the inner ear. If medication is ineffective, doctors will consider injecting steroids into the inner ear through the eardrum to trap the medication inside the inner ear. The medication then penetrates to reduce inflammation. Steroid injection is only to increase the chance of recovery.
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<h2>When is steroid injection into the eardrum necessary? 
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Steroid injection into the eardrum is used only for patients with sudden deafness or complete deafness. The injection volume depends on the middle ear cavity. The injection must be done through the eardrum, and the doctor will determine the amount based on the patient’s anatomical factors.
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Steroid injection is a commonly chosen treatment option because it helps reduce inflammation. Side effects are relatively few since it is a local injection and rarely affects other body systems. Patients can receive injections once a week for three consecutive weeks. Afterward, the doctor will monitor the response. Treatment with steroid injections for sudden deafness does not take long.
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<h2>Sudden deafness is not life-threatening but affects quality of life 
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Sudden deafness is not a life-threatening disease but significantly impacts quality of life, including hearing and communication. Usually, patients experience deafness in only one ear while the other ear still hears. However, patients often feel anxious and uncomfortable and need time to adjust. Therefore, doctors must try their best to help because treatment is not only for sudden deafness but also affects other hearing-related conditions and the patient’s mental state.
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<h2>Sudden deafness&#8230; cannot be completely cured 
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Doctors must explain to patients that sudden deafness cannot be completely cured 100% because it is a disease without warning signs or preceding events and can occur in anyone. It should be explained that it is not a severe disease that causes death. This disease is not dangerous and can happen to anyone.
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Although there is no definitive treatment worldwide, medical science has proposed the best available treatments to improve patients’ conditions. Even if the treatment ultimately fails&#8230; this disease does not cause disability. It does not cause loss of any ability, but patients must adjust to having one ear hearing differently from the other.
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<h2>Self-care when sudden deafness occurs 
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Doctors have the duty to help patients relax and reduce anxiety, as well as provide advice on care and self-protection when sudden deafness occurs. When the other ear’s hearing is not as good as before, patients must avoid loud places and be cautious of factors that may further affect the ear to prevent sudden deafness in the unaffected ear.
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<div style="text-align: right;">Dr. Nichthima Chayaopas</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">Specialist in Otolaryngology</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital</div>

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or simply called "sudden deafness," is a condition where there is a sudden decrease in hearing from the previous level. The exact cause cannot be identified, and there are no indicative symptoms, such as waking up with one ear feeling muffled or...

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Deafness is not serious, it can be treated... but may not be completely cured.

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