Imagine waking up one morning and realizing you can’t hear out of one ear. No warning signs, no pain—just a sudden, disorienting silence. For many people, sudden hearing loss feels like that—a quick, unexpected change that throws off balance, quite literally.
If you’ve experienced this, or know someone who has, it’s essential to seek immediate care. You might think it’s just a temporary glitch, a side effect of allergies, or even a wax buildup. But in reality, it could be something much more serious—a condition known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL).
It is important to know about SSHL, the causes of sudden hearing loss, and how CC Saha Hearing Clinics have been providing effective solutions for decades.
Sudden hearing loss, technically known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), refers to the rapid onset of hearing impairment, typically in one ear. It can happen within a few hours or over a span of 72 hours, and it’s more common than you might think.
While it can occur at any age, those between 45 to 60 years working in loud or noisy environments are most vulnerable. Many people dismiss sudden hearing loss, assuming it’s due to earwax buildup or allergies. However, SSHL is a medical emergency, and immediate care can significantly improve outcomes.
There isn’t always a clear cause for SSHL, but several underlying issues have been linked to this condition:
In some cases, though, the exact cause remains unknown, so getting a quick diagnosis is crucial.
According to an article from The Times of India, Kolkata’s average decibel count is 65-80 decibels. Yet there are claims that it crossing over 109db during peak traffic hours, making Kolkata one of the noisiest cities in India. These decibel levels are way above the 75 decibels in the day for commercial areas and 40 decibels at night for residential areas.
Workplaces, particularly in industrial zones like Howrah and Kidderpore, also contributed significantly. Construction sites and factories often operate heavy machinery without adequate soundproofing, putting workers at risk of gradual hearing loss.
The festival seasons, especially Durga Puja, add another layer of noise pollution. Loudspeakers and firecrackers push sound levels well over 100 dB, enough to cause permanent hearing damage if exposed for too long.
The good news is that CC Saha Hearing Clinics, with their state-of-the-art facilities and expert team of audiologists, offers several solutions to tackle SSHL, along with your ENT specialist. Here’s a step-by-step look at what you can expect:
CC Saha Hearing Clinics are the trusted choice in Kolkata as one-stop for all hearing issues
What is sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is the rapid, unexplained loss of hearing, typically in one ear, either over a few hours or within 72 hours. It is considered a medical emergency.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
Causes vary and may include viral infections, circulatory issues, head trauma, autoimmune diseases, or ototoxic medications. In many cases, the cause remains unknown.
How do I know if I am experiencing sudden hearing loss?
If you notice a sudden reduction in hearing ability in one ear, especially over a short period, along with a sensation of fullness in the ear, dizziness, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), you may be experiencing sudden hearing loss.
Is sudden hearing loss permanent?
It can be temporary or permanent depending on how quickly it is treated. Early diagnosis and treatment, particularly within the first two weeks, increase the chances of recovering some or all of the lost hearing.
What treatments are available for sudden hearing loss?
Treatment options include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antiviral medications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and in cases of permanent loss, hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Should I see a doctor immediately if I experience sudden hearing loss?
Yes! Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, and you should seek treatment from an ear specialist (ENT) or audiologist as soon as possible. Early treatment can improve recovery chances.
Can stress cause sudden hearing loss?
While stress isn’t a direct cause, it can worsen underlying conditions that might trigger sudden hearing loss, such as circulatory issues or viral infections.
Can sudden hearing loss affect both ears?
It typically affects one ear, but in rare cases, it can affect both. Bilateral sudden hearing loss requires urgent attention as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Can hearing aids help with sudden hearing loss?
If the hearing loss becomes permanent, hearing aids such as those from Phonak, Signia, or ReSound, which are available at CC Saha Clinics, can help improve sound quality and overall hearing.
What should I do if I experience sudden hearing loss?
Don’t wait for it to improve on its own. Contact an audiologist or ear specialist right away. In Kolkata, CC Saha Hearing Clinics offer emergency services for patients experiencing sudden hearing loss.
What is sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is the rapid, unexplained loss of hearing, typically in one ear, either over a few hours or within 72 hours. It is considered a medical emergency.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
Causes vary and may include viral infections, circulatory issues, head trauma, autoimmune diseases, or ototoxic medications. In many cases, the cause remains unknown.
How do I know if I am experiencing sudden hearing loss?
If you notice a sudden reduction in hearing ability in one ear, especially over a short period, along with a sensation of fullness in the ear, dizziness, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), you may be experiencing sudden hearing loss.
Is sudden hearing loss permanent?
It can be temporary or permanent depending on how quickly it is treated. Early diagnosis and treatment, particularly within the first two weeks, increase the chances of recovering some or all of the lost hearing.
What treatments are available for sudden hearing loss?
Treatment options include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antiviral medications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and in cases of permanent loss, hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Should I see a doctor immediately if I experience sudden hearing loss?
Yes! Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency, and you should seek treatment from an ear specialist (ENT) or audiologist as soon as possible. Early treatment can improve recovery chances.
Can stress cause sudden hearing loss?
While stress isn’t a direct cause, it can worsen underlying conditions that might trigger sudden hearing loss, such as circulatory issues or viral infections.
Can sudden hearing loss affect both ears?
It typically affects one ear, but in rare cases, it can affect both. Bilateral sudden hearing loss requires urgent attention as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Can hearing aids help with sudden hearing loss?
If the hearing loss becomes permanent, hearing aids such as those from Phonak, Signia, or ReSound, which are available at CC Saha Clinics, can help improve sound quality and overall hearing.
What should I do if I experience sudden hearing loss?
Don’t wait for it to improve on its own. Contact an audiologist or ear specialist right away. In Kolkata, CC Saha Hearing Clinics offer emergency services for patients experiencing sudden hearing loss.
At C.C. Saha Ltd., we provide a comprehensive range of hearing solutions that include the testing of a patient’s ability to detect tones at different frequencies. Our highly skilled Audiologists conduct a thorough examination, taking into account the patient’s hearing loss history, lifestyle choices, and needs, and then recommend the best possible hearing solution.
We are present across the city of Kolkata, at Esplanade, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Dunlop, Salt Lake, and Barasat. We also have clinics at Midnapore and Burdwan.
At CC Saha Hearing Clinics, we’ve worked with countless families and understand the concerns that come with such an important decision. With our 90+ years of expertise, top audiologists, and partnerships with world-class brands like Med-EL and Cochlear, we’re here to guide you for your child’s cochlear implants every step of the way.
At CC Saha, we believe you shouldn’t have to make such a vital decision without first-hand experience. That’s why our free trials offer you the chance to evaluate how advanced hearing aids perform in your everyday environments—be it at home, during work meetings, or out in Kolkata’s dynamic streets. It’s a commitment-free way to explore the benefits, understand the technology, and take control of your hearing journey with confidence.
Think of it as a bridge between hearing sounds and using them to communicate. In these sessions, trained therapists work with your child to connect the sounds they’re hearing with the words they need to express themselves. It’s like teaching a new language, with therapists gently guiding children to associate sounds with meaning, words, and eventually sentences. Speech therapy transforms hearing into understanding and understanding into speech.
What exactly is a cochlear implant? At its core, it’s a tiny device that bypasses damaged parts of the ear and sends sound signals directly to the auditory nerve, allowing children to hear where traditional hearing aids fall short.
Noise pollution in Kolkata is a serious threat to hearing health. Learn how it leads to deafness and explore modern solutions like hearing aids, hearing tests, and cochlear implants to protect your ears.
Hearing loss may not just affect your ability to hear, but also increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Discover how hearing aids from leading brands like Phonak, Signia, Widex, Resound, and Starkey can help reduce this risk.
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