The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) announced today that it has created a 5-minute video, “Spotlight on Sudden Hearing Loss” to be shared with the public via the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). The video sheds light on a medical condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Sudden hearing loss (also called sudden sensoneural hearing loss (SSHL) or sudden deafness) typically gives no warning signs. And it can be extremely frightening. “Suddenly the world goes quiet in one ear. You wake up with it or you’re doing some activity and all of a sudden…nothing in one ear,” explains Michael E. Hoffer, MD, University of Miami and member of the AHRF Board of Directors.
This type of hearing loss comes on quickly—that is, all at once, over a few hours, or over a several days. Often, it affects only one ear, but it can involve both. A person affected by SSHL also may notice a feeling of ear fullness, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.
“It’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible,” notes Dr. Hoffer. “Most of the treatments we offer are much more effective if administered early, rather than later.”
For most people (90 percent, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders), the exact cause is never identified. SSHL may be related to infections, head trauma, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions. At present there is no medical advice for how to avoid SSHL. The incidence of SSHL is uncertain, since many affected people never seek medical. Estimates of incidence range from 11 to 77 per 100,000 people per year.
PBS will air the video across its nationwide network, with a major airing push concentrated over the next three months.