Sudden Onset Hearing Loss:
- • Sudden onset hearing loss is typically based on audiometric criteria and time course.
- • The loss typically occurs within minutes to a few days, can cover a variety of frequencies and is typically unilateral.
- • Possible causes may include but are not limited to: viral infection or vascular compromise of the labyrinthine, intracochlear membrane ruptures or immune-mediated inner ear disease.
- • The prognosis of some recovery is good pending timely medical treatment.
- • Early diagnosis and treatment by a physician greatly improves the potential for improvement in hearing levels.
Hearing Protection:
- • An estimated 33.7% of hearing loss is caused by excessive noise exposure.
- • Hearing conservation and consistent use of hearing protection is essential in preventing hearing loss due to noise.
- • A one time exposure to sound at or over 140dB may cause instant and irreversible hearing loss (e.g. gun shot, fire cracker, etc.).
- • Extended exposure to other loud noises may permanent hearing loss including but not limited to loud music, farm equipment, chain saw, garage equipment, motorcycles, etc.
- • Hearing protection is the number one way to help prevent noise inducted hearing loss.
- • Please speak with your hearing professional regarding universal and custom hearing protection products.