A dysfunction of the inner ear is the cause of sudden sensor neural hearing loss. Diagnosis of the condition alone determines its treatment. In several cases such a condition is because of viral infection of the inner ear or the nerve of hearing. Of the many treatments suggested for this condition, the most effective is the ingestion of the steroid drug prednisone. A patient loses his hearing, in a day or several days, in one ear. This is connected with fullness in the ear and a ringing in the ear. This is a typical example of sudden sensor neural hearing loss. This may also be followed by dizziness and vertigo. There is also the possibility of an upper respiratory infection just before sudden sensor neural hearing loss.

Loss of Hearing in one Ear

A lot of patients take it easy and it is unfortunate that they do not seek immediate medical help. They delay in consulting a specialist. Reduced hearing and fullness of the ear are diagnosed as a middle ear infection leading to delay in referring to an audiologist or otolaryngologist. In some cases delay is also caused by insurance related mattes and the ear specialist is consulted very late.

An audiologist should conduct specialized hearing tests in sound proof chambers to diagnose sudden sensor neural hearing loss. Sophisticated ways are used to confirm the diagnosis of sudden sensor neural hearing loss. The treatment for this sudden hearing impairment is the use of steroids within the first two weeks of noticeable signs. This is, perhaps, the best chance for the patient to get a part of his hearing restored. Ingesting steroids orally is the gold standard therapy while studies point to the efficacy of injections in to the ear.

The aim of treating sudden sensor neural hearing loss is to increase blood circulation to the inner ear. It should contain blood thinners and drugs that dilate blood vessels. Still there is no conclusive evidence of the effectiveness and efficacy of these drugs in treating the hearing loss. Hence this method is not suggested or advocated. On the other hand, prednisone, a steroid, is highly effective in controlling the dysfunction though it causes certain side effects like alteration in mood, euphoria or depression.

[tags]Neural Dysfunction, Vertigo[/tags]