For anyone experiencing hearing loss, it’s common to wonder if their hearing loss can be reversed. While many cases of hearing loss are permanent, some people also do experience temporary hearing loss that can be reversed.
What Causes Temporary Hearing Loss?
Most causes of temporary hearing loss are due to something blocking the ear, like fluid from an ear infection or a foreign object stuck in your ear canal. When a blockage is causing your hearing loss this is known as conductive hearing loss. In addition to infections and foreign objects, temporary hearing loss can also be caused by:
- Ruptured eardrum
- Earwax buildup
- Problems with the bones in your inner ear or other malformations
Treating the cause of hearing loss, such as infections with antibiotics or ear tubes, or performing surgery to remove or repair any blockages or malformations can help return your hearing to normal.
Sudden Hearing Loss Can Sometimes Be Reversed
While most sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, a certain type known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can sometimes be reversed.
As the name would suggest, SSHL is a type of hearing loss that comes on rapidly from a few hours to several days. While the cause of sudden loss isn’t always known, some known causes include:
- Head or ear trauma
- Viral illness
- Certain medications
- Autoimmune disorders
- Vascular disorders that affect blood flow to the ear
- Tumors in the ear
Sometimes, it can be a sign of a medical emergency such as a stroke. If you have additional symptoms like weakness, blurry vision or difficulty speaking, seek immediate medical attention.
While some cases of sudden hearing loss become permanent, others are reversible with prompt pharmacological intervention. SSHL is treated with several weeks of corticosteroid medication. Treatment tends to work best the sooner it’s administered, so see your doctor immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss.
What If My Hearing Loss Is Permanent?
If your hearing test results show that you have permanent sensorineural hearing loss, it’s understandable that you’d feel a little upset and concerned. However, even though your hearing loss can’t be reversed, treatment options like hearing aids can help tremendously. They work to ease the burden of struggling to hear and make it easier to navigate everything from a busy work environment to dinner with the grandkids at Ricco’s Pizza.
If you or a loved one is concerned about your hearing, call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today to schedule an appointment.