Sudden Hearing Loss Is a Race Against Time: The First 48–72 Hours Are Critical
Opr. Dr. Ümit Filiz from ÖZEL ENTO Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery Medical Center emphasized that sudden hearing loss is a serious medical condition that can occur within seconds and may lead to permanent consequences if treatment is delayed. Highlighting the vital importance of early admission, Dr. Filiz stated, “The first 48–72 hours are critical for success,” stressing that patients should consult a specialist without losing time.
Noting that most patients present with complaints such as “My ear feels blocked” or “I can’t hear well,” Dr. Filiz explained that during the initial examination they ask key questions about how and when the hearing loss started. “A sudden feeling of blockage, accompanying ringing or humming in the ear, a recent flu infection, or unilateral hearing loss after vaccination makes us suspect sudden hearing loss,” he said.
Dr. Filiz explained that sudden hearing loss is defined as a loss of more than 30 decibels across three different frequencies, adding that it often develops abruptly. “Hearing may suddenly disappear, as if a curtain has fallen over the ear. This can occur during sleep or even in the middle of a conversation,” he noted.
VARIOUS CAUSES
Dr. Filiz stated that sudden hearing loss does not have a single cause and that vasospasm (vascular constriction), viral infections (flu, COVID-19), high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and excessive stress are among the major risk factors. He also emphasized that infections such as measles and mumps in children, as well as certain strong antibiotics, can lead to sudden hearing loss. “Just as important as the patient’s rapid admission is the physician’s decision not to overlook the condition and to request a hearing test,” he added.
HOW DOES THE TREATMENT PROCESS WORK?
Dr. Filiz provided the following information about the treatment process:
“We first perform a detailed examination. The very first step afterward is always a hearing test, because it is often difficult to say, ‘This is the exact cause.’ We need to evaluate all possibilities to determine the most appropriate treatment. We also question recent flu or febrile infections and medications used, as these directly affect the treatment plan. Depending on the degree of hearing loss, both the dosage and content of medications change. If the loss is severe, we обязательно initiate intravenous (serum) therapy. High-dose corticosteroids are one of the main components of serum therapy and significantly increase success when administered at the correct dose.
Another important treatment method is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Although it was originally developed for divers with decompression sickness, its mechanism is highly effective in sudden hearing loss. The patient is placed in a high-pressure chamber, where the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity increases four to five times. This allows more oxygen to reach the ear and accelerates recovery, especially in areas with reduced blood flow.
By combining serum therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we aim to control sudden hearing loss. However, unfortunately, there is no 100% guarantee of recovery. Comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, as well as the patient’s compliance with treatment and stress levels, can affect the outcome.
I personally do not prefer intratympanic (inner ear) injections, as they can cause unnecessary stress in both adults and children. Instead, I find the combination of intravenous serum therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy more effective. Because in this disease, we are literally racing against time. The greatest risk is delay. Seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms begin and starting the correct treatment without delay is vital.”
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