What is Acute Hearing Loss? An Otolaryngologist in Singapore Tells All

Updated on January 27, 2021

Acute hearing loss is a threat that can influence the young and old alike. You could talk with the best otolaryngologist in Singapore if you’re bearing with hearing issues to see if you’re experiencing acute hearing loss.

What Happens During the Hearing Loss?

Acute hearing loss occurs when you struggle to hear like usual. The sensory cells within the cochlea or inner ear may stop functioning as well. Most instances of hearing loss entail the cells in one ear not working, but sometimes it could entail both ears.

Some cases of hearing loss are accompanied by:

  • Constant ringing in the ears, or tinnitus
  • Dizziness; the inner ear can also influence your sense of balance
  • An unexplained warm feeling in your ear
  • Nausea triggered by dizziness
  • Feelings of pressure in the impacted ear

You shouldn’t expect to feel pain in your ear while experiencing acute hearing loss. You would only feel pain if your ear experienced a direct physical impact for any reason.

The best otolaryngologist in Singapore can assist you with your issue if you contact that professional as soon as possible. The otolaryngologist can review your situation to see why you are experiencing hearing loss. But any instance of acute hearing loss that entails added dizziness and other impairments could be a sign of a stroke or another serious issue.

What Causes Acute Hearing Loss?

Acute hearing loss develops due to the sensory cells in your inner ear not functioning. There are many concerns that can cause hearing loss:

  • An infection in the inner ear
  • A thrombosis or blockage of a blood vessel in the inner ear
  • High cholesterol level or any other concern that limits blood flow to the inner ear
  • Diabetes; improper blood flow may harm the nerves around the inner ear
  • Physical trauma, including direct impacts to the ear
  • Whiplash and other issues that harm the cervical spine near the neck
  • Herpes, chickenpox, and other viral infections
  • Physical stress
  • Excess alcohol or nicotine consumption; these increase your general risk of developing an illness

Comparing Hearing Loss With Tinnitus

Some people who experience acute hearing loss also experience tinnitus. The noises triggered by tinnitus can cause permanent hearing loss if it lasts long enough. But tinnitus can still develop even if you do not experience acute hearing loss. Exposure to intense noises for prolonged time periods can trigger tinnitus. The condition could also remain after the acute hearing loss abates. You can talk with an otolaryngologist in Singapore if you have further worries after the hearing loss ends.

How Can You Diagnose Acute Hearing Loss?

An otolaryngologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor can review your condition to determine if you have acute hearing loss. An ENT can complete an exam to find the problem:

  • Your ENT can review possible ear wax blockages in your ear canal. Sometimes excessive wax can limit your ability to hear things. The issue is mostly harmless.
  • The ENT can use an otoscope to examine your eardrum. The ENT may find irregularities in the eardrum. The otoscope may also spray a slight bit of air on the drum to see if it properly moves.
  • You can undergo a frequency test to see how well you can hear different tones and how you respond to them. The doctor will measure how much time it takes for you to respond to certain sounds or if you can even answer them.

Your ENT will diagnose you with acute hearing loss if the doctor doesn’t find anything suggesting a more substantial illness. Your doctor might refer you to another professional if there are other underlying concerns that might be more significant.

How Can You Resolve Acute Hearing Loss?

It is possible to resolve acute hearing loss with a few points:

  • Rest helps your body restore itself and produce new sensory cells in the inner ear.
  • Medications to improve blood circulation in the hair cells in the ear may help if your ENT finds possible blood flow-related issues.
  • You could utilize an oxygen chamber that provides added oxygen to your body. The elevated oxygen levels will promote the body’s natural healing ability.

Contact your ENT as soon as you experience signs of acute hearing loss. It will be easier for you to recover if you receive proper treatment sooner, especially if you suspect an underlying issue.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.