Sudden Hearing Loss

Each year in the United States alone, an estimated 4,000 people develop sudden hearing loss. Worldwide, an estimated 15,000 new cases of sudden hearing loss are reported each year. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, sudden hearing loss occurs equally between men and women and most often among those 30 - 60 years of age.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss refers to a loss of hearing of 30 db (decibels) or more over three adjacent frequencies, as determined by a hearing test, within a three-day period. It often occurs within a matter of hours. Many people who experience sudden hearing loss notice it when they wake up in the morning. The amount of hearing loss can vary, from mild to severe, and it is often accompanied by vertigo, tinnitus or both.

Sudden hearing loss is considered a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. There are many possible causes of sudden hearing loss, from disease to trauma to viral infection; however, the cause in any particular case often remains unknown even after an evaluation. Treatment varies depending on the cause and recovery rate and may consist of medication, cochlear implant surgery or hearing aids.

Several medical centers nationwide are conducting a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) study alternative treatments for sudden hearing loss.

Radio personality Rush Limbaugh reportedly had cochlear implant surgery to restore his hearing a few years ago after experiencing sudden hearing loss. Rapper Foxy Brown reported experiencing sudden hearing loss while recording in the studio.