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Sudden hearing loss usually occurs in the left ear and develops in less than 72 hours. If you wake up one morning and can’t hear clearly, it can be quite scary. However, if you see an audiologist immediately, you have a better chance of successfully treating it. Here are a few common treatments, as well as how to prevent this issue.
Treatments for Sudden Hearing Loss
It’s critical to treat sudden hearing loss within three days. Otherwise, the damage could be permanent. Here are some of the available treatments for this condition:
- Vasodilators: These drugs expand the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the cochlea, which can provide the ear with more oxygen. Vasodilators are strong medications and are typically only used when other treatments haven’t worked.
- Steroids: Steroids are effective at reducing cochlear and auditory nerve inflammation, which can restore hearing. They can be administered orally or through an injection. However, they come with several side effects, including elevated blood pressure and wakefulness.
- Carbogen Therapy: This gas therapy treats sudden hearing loss by enhancing the oxygen levels of the tissues of the inner ear. It involves inhaling a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Preventing Hearing Loss
The thought of losing your hearing is worrisome, so it’s best to prevent it in the first place. Here are a few ways to reduce the risk:
- Minimize Exposure to Loud Noises: Fireworks, heavy machinery, and other loud noises can damage the hair follicles within the ear, so try to avoid them as much as possible. If you know you are going to be around high levels of noise, wear earplugs.
Don’t Listen to Music That’s Too Loud: Listening to loud music can overwork the tiny hair cells in your ears and damage them. If you can’t hear yourself speak, it’s a sign your music is too loud.
- Remove Earwax: Having excess wax inside your ears can block sounds from entering the canal, so clean it out regularly with an at-home irrigation kit. If you are unable to remove all the wax yourself, ask for a physician’s help.
If you’re dealing with hearing loss, turn to Heartland Better Hearing Inc. in Elizabethtown, KY. They provide high-quality products, like hearing aids, amplified telephones, and TV ears, and are committed to helping their clients maintain their health. To schedule an appointment with a professional, call (270) 735-9352 or visit the website.
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