What is Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss is a rapid onset hearing impairment in one or both ears. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (S.S.H.L) is a subset of sudden hearing loss, and it is essential that the distinction is made between the two.
Whereas sudden sensorineural hearing loss indicates an abnormality of the cochlea, auditory nerve or higher aspects of the central auditory perception and processing, sudden hearing loss includes both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.
There are various causes of conductive hearing loss that need to be ruled out as well as a verification of sensorineural loss before a patient is considered to have the diagnosis of an SSHL and is to pursue treatment for a sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Treatment
Transtympanic infusion is one of the possible treatment options for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. For some patients, the Transtympanic Procedure — which involves a series of liquid steroids — may be a good option for recovering hearing.
Sudden hearing loss patients who visit an ENT doctor are often administered a course of oral steroids. When steroids are taken orally, the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream and a small fraction goes to your ear.
The transtympanic infusion is a local steroid that is delivered into the ear in an attempt to reduce any inflammation that may have occurred. The medication is infused into your middle ear, which can result in higher concentrations being absorbed into the inner ear. This process is done as a series of five injections over the course of five office visits. Infusions are only performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays unless otherwise discussed.
After the series has been completed, hearing tests will verify whether if any hearing has been recovered.