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.
Approximately 50% of individuals aged 75 years and beyond encounters a diminution of 35 decibels or more in their auditory acuity—a juncture necessitating the employment of a hearing augmentation device. The younger generations are catching up too.
Owing to the efforts of our dedicated team of professionals, CC Saha has been constantly engaged in offering the bestquality services to be the leader in high performance hearing solutions, and to supply the most sophisticated technologyand audiology possible.
We understand how important your sense of hearing is to both you and your family. Our team of professionals is ready to help find the right hearing aid for your individual hearing needs.
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