Sudden deafness
is a sensorineural hearing loss that occurs suddenly without a discernible cause, in most cases unilaterally, with varying levels of hearing loss, including total deafness. It usually occurs within 1-3 days, which is why it is so important to diagnose it quickly and implement appropriate treatment. The main symptoms of sudden deafness include sudden, usually unilateral, hearing loss. Often the symptoms appear in the morning, with the impression of hearing impairment. A hearing impairment is felt as a feeling of clogged ears, a feeling of cotton wool, a feeling of fullness in the ear, often accompanied by tinnitus, the character of squeaking or whistling. Dizziness and imbalance are less common.
Diagnostics
We perform an otolaryngological examination in every patient with symptoms of sudden hearing impairment. In order to clearly determine whether we are dealing with sudden deafness, the basic examination is followed by audiological diagnostics – tonal audiometry, impedance audiometry.
Treatment
If sudden deafness is detected, it is important to react quickly and immediately. The most effective treatment for sudden deafness is hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the chamber combined with intravenous steroid treatment. The second group of drugs that are particularly useful in the course of vascular disorders are vasodilators and vasoconstriction prevention. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases partial pressure in the inner ear. Oxygen administered under pressure improves circulation and creates optimal conditions for regeneration of middle ear structures. The treatment of cases of sudden deafness covers the period from 10 to 15 days.
In the treatment of sudden deafness, dietary supplements and ear preparations to improve the hearing organ can be used additionally.
Appropriate laryngological diagnostics and the implementation of a full treatment programme consisting of combining hyperbaric chamber treatments with pharmacological treatment gives a 100% improvement in hearing.
