What could be the causes of sudden hearing loss?
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If you or a loved one has suddenly developed hearing loss, see your doctor right away. While often downplayed as not serious, any new or sudden hearing loss should be taken seriously by you and your healthcare providers. What could be the causes of sudden hearing loss? Please elaborate on this.
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@sulagna Also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or SSNHL, sudden-onset hearing loss occurs all at once or over the course of several days. About one out of every 5,000 adults experiences sudden-onset hearing loss annually, though that number could be much higher due to the number of cases that go unreported and undiagnosed. Men and women are affected equally, and the average age of first occurrence is typically mid-40s to mid-50s. For most people, the immediate assumption is that they are suffering from allergies, an earwax blockage or sinus infection, so they might decide not to seek treatment—but prompt treatment is vital. Some possible known risk factors and causes include:
Bacterial infection
Viral infection
Inner ear disorders, especially Meniere's disease
Migraines
Tumors (e.g. acoustic neuroma)
Some drugs can cause hearing loss as a side effect, known as ototoxic medications, especially if taken in high doses
Neurologic diseases or disorders (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
Head injury or trauma