There are few things scarier than waking up in the morning with almost complete hearing loss in one ear. Some people experience dizziness or ringing in the ear along with the loss of hearing. Most people do not know what they should do or who they should call. Here is what we recommend at Taylor Listening Center:
Who should I call?
The number one mistake is going to an urgent care center or waiting days to get an appointment with a primary care physician. Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. The first call should be made to an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician in your area that has an audiologist on staff and when you call tell them exactly what happened and that you need to be seen ASAP! If they can’t get you in during the next day or two, call a different ENT. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) about half of people with sudden deafness will recover some or all of their hearing spontaneously but eighty-five percent of those who receive treatment from an ENT soon after the date of onset will recover some of their hearing. Sudden hearing loss is usually diagnosed from a hearing test and is treated with prescribed steroids either as a pill or as an injection through the ear drum. The ENT will discuss this in depth.
Take home message:
If you notice a sudden change in your hearing status call an Ear Nose and Throat Physician with an audiologist on staff! The Taylor Listening Center loves sending our patients to Dr. Andrew Goldstone at GBMC. (443) 883-1009
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