SUDDEN ONSET HEARING LOSS

Sudden Onset Hearing Loss (SOHL) is a medical emergency requiring prompt recognition and treatment.

Defining SOHL

SOHL occurs when there is a 30dB or greater loss over less than 72 hours; a patient can present with hearing loss in one or both ear.

Typically a patient experiences hearing loss with a blocked or pressured sensation in the affected ear(s). Often a patient notices the hearing loss when waking up. However, the hearing loss may be immediate or over the course of hours to days.

Assessment

To objectively determine whether there is a hearing loss, a pure tone audiogram must be performed. A clinical assessment can differentiate between a conductive hearing loss and a sensorineural hearing loss.

A tympanometry assesses tympanic membrane mobility and middle ear pressure. Fluid in the middle ear is represented as a “flat” trace (Type B tympanogram) and is consistent with a conductive hearing loss.

Why Audiology?

Audiological confirmation of the hearing loss is important, as it:

  • Gives an accurate idea of the severity of the loss

  • Tells one whether it is unilateral or bilateral

  • Assists prognostication

  • Establishes a baseline level of hearing

For more information:

Please contact HEARING INNOVATIONS at info@hearinginnovations.com.au tel: 02 9327 6611

 

References:

Foden N, Mehta N, Joseph T. Sudden onset hearing loss. General practice psychiatry, Volume 42, No 9, September 2013

Van der Meer G. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – an evidence –based approach to treatment and rehabilitation. South African Ear Nose & Throat Review, vol. 3 no 1. 2011

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